Used chiefly in business and finance, most often in the plural form "actuals", to denote real results or figures as opposed to forecasts or estimates.

Definitions

actualadjective

Existing in fact; real.

The actual cost of the project was much higher than anticipated.

Current or present, as opposed to potential or possible.

The actual temperature today is lower than the forecast predicted.

Used to emphasize the truth or reality of a situation.

The actual reason for his absence was never disclosed.

actualnoun

A real amount, result, or figure, especially one reflecting what has actually occurred as opposed to what was projected or estimated.

The finance team compared the quarterly budget to the actuals to assess performance.