Unreal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤯

Add to dictionary

unreal

[ʌnˈrɪəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in the context of imagination

Not real or genuine; imaginary or fantastical.

Synonyms

fantastical, fictitious, imaginary, make-believe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unreal	Used to describe something that seems too incredible to be true or does not seem real due to its extraordinary nature. The view from the top of the mountain was unreal. Her singing was so beautiful, it felt unreal.
imaginary	Describes something that exists only in the mind or imagination and has no basis in reality. Children often have imaginary friends. He got lost in his imaginary world while daydreaming.
fantastical	Often used to describe something imaginative and extravagant, typically related to fantasy or fairy tales. The movie was filled with fantastical creatures and magical lands. He told me a fantastical story about a hidden kingdom in the clouds.
fictitious	Appropriate for describing something that is invented or made-up, often related to stories, characters, or events that are not real. The character of Sherlock Holmes is a fictitious detective. She gave a fictitious name at the hotel.
make-believe	Refers to something that is created for entertainment or as a game, especially for children, and is not real. The kids played a make-believe game where they were pirates. She lived in a make-believe land where everything was perfect.

Examples of usage

It was an unreal world where anything was possible.
The special effects in the movie were so unreal.
She had an unreal dream where she could fly.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in the context of disbelief

Extremely good or impressive; surpassing the ordinary or normal.

Synonyms

amazing, extraordinary, incredible, remarkable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unreal	Often used to describe something that seems too extraordinary or good to be true. It can also have a casual or informal tone. The view from the top of the mountain was unreal. My weekend in Paris was unreal.
amazing	Used to describe something that causes great surprise or wonder. It has a positive connotation and is commonly used in everyday speech. The fireworks display was amazing. You did an amazing job on your presentation.
incredible	Used to describe something hard to believe because it is so extraordinary. It has a positive connotation and is often used to express admiration. The speed at which they finished the project was incredible. That movie had an incredible plot twist.
extraordinary	Typically used to describe something very unusual or remarkable. It often has a formal tone and can be used to emphasize the exceptional nature of something. She has an extraordinary talent for music. Their journey across the desert was extraordinary.
remarkable	Used to describe something that attracts attention due to being unusual or exceptional. It often implies respect or admiration. Her recovery after the surgery was remarkable. He made a remarkable discovery in the field of medicine.

Examples of usage

The team's performance was unreal, they played exceptionally well.
Her talent for painting was unreal, she was a true artist.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'unreal'

The word 'unreal' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'real' meaning 'existing or occurring as fact; actual rather than imaginary'. The term has been used since the 16th century to denote something that is not real or genuine. Over time, 'unreal' has evolved to also describe something that is exceptionally good or impressive, going beyond the ordinary or normal.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,958, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13955 gracefully
13956 quenched
13957 politeness
13958 unreal
13959 pirate
13960 incurring
13961 consolidating
...