Actual means real, the one that exists in fact: the actual price, the actual reason. Most often it contrasts reality with what was expected or claimed. It doesn't mean “current”, as similar words do in many languages, such as Spanish actual or German aktuell: a topic that matters now is relevant or topical, and current information, a timetable or a version is up to date or current.
actual: will you get the meaning right?
Write a sentence — we'll check that the word fits the meaning and explain any mistakes.
The check is taking longer than usual. Your feedback will appear here automatically.
the actual + noun (price, cost, reason, size); in actual fact
- The flat looked much bigger in the photos than its actual size.
- He said he was ill, but the actual reason was the maths test.
- The trip was advertised at £300, but the actual cost was nearly £500.
What changed
First versionRemote work is a very actual topic now.
RevisionRemote work is a very relevant topic now.
A very actual topic may look like “a topic that matters now”, but actual means “real”, so the phrase loses its meaning. A topic that's important today is relevant.
In conversation, actual stresses that something is real, not a copy or a joke: Wait, is that an actual Picasso? That's also why actually means “in fact”, not “currently”.
Your turn
Is this bus timetable still ___, or has it changed since the summer?
Show the answer
up to date — You want to know whether the timetable is out of date, so up to date fits. Actual means “real”, and the question “is this timetable still real?” makes no sense.
Describe a purchase or trip that cost more than you expected. Give the planned amount and the actual amount.
I planned to spend 200 euros on the trip to Riga, but the actual cost was 350 because of the hotel.
Learn to use new words without mistakes
Write phrases with the words you are learning. LetsWords shows mistakes in usage and grammar, suggests corrections and explains them, and review helps the words stick.