unreal

Everyday

1. Unreal means not real; imaginary or seeming like a dream. tree →
2. Unreal can describe something so strange or shocking that it is hard to believe it is really happening. tree →
3. (slang) Unreal means amazing, brilliant or excellent: «That goal was unreal!» tree →
4. (slang) Unreal can also mean unfair or ridiculous: «The price is unreal.» tree →

In the lessons

In stories: an unreal world, dreams and fantasy. In everyday talk: «It felt unreal» about big news or events. In young people's slang, especially in Australia, NZ and the USA, «unreal» is strong praise. It tells the reader the speaker is amazed.

Examples

• The dream felt unreal. tree →
• Winning the cup still feels unreal. tree →
• That skateboard trick was unreal! (slang) tree →
• Dragons are unreal creatures from stories. tree →
• The prices at the theme park were unreal. (slang) tree →
• The sunset was so bright it looked unreal. tree →
• «How was the concert?» «Unreal, mate!» (slang) tree →
• Their mildness seemed unreal, and a mere freak; but their savage nature was as true as their teeth and claws. tree →

Note

Opposite: «real». In the slang senses it is informal; do not use it in formal writing. Spelling: «un-» + «real», one word.