fact of life

noun phrase

1
: something that exists and must be taken into consideration
2
facts of life plural : the fundamental physiological processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction

Examples of fact of life in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While a majority of New Yorkers have yet to warm to the toll, recent polls have shown that there is a shift underway: Congestion pricing is quickly becoming a fact of life. Winnie Hu, New York Times, 12 May 2025 The book has long been lauded for its direct discussion of menstruation and other facts of life not often found in children's literature, and the film is a frank yet loving ode to Blume's vision. Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 10 May 2025 And Stronger Compliance Human error is a fact of life with manual processes. John Rubinetti, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025 Spending smart, as ever, is better than spending lots, though making a loss is largely a fact of life at any level, or gender, of English football. Steve Madeley, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fact of life

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fact of life was circa 1806

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fact of life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fact%20of%20life. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

fact of life

noun
1
: something that exists and must be taken into consideration
tests are a fact of life for students
2
plural : the basic bodily processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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