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Synonyms

real world

American

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

noun

the realm of practical or actual experience, as opposed to the abstract, theoretical, or idealized sphere of the classroom, laboratory, etc..

recent college graduates looking for jobs in the real world of rising unemployment.

Other Word Forms

real-world

adjective

Etymology

Origin of real world

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Though she does not blame El Temach directly for her experience, Fernanda does believe this type of content has an effect on relationships in the real world.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

As economist Tyler Cowen argued in his book “Stubborn Attachments,” the closest thing we have to a Crusonia Plant in the real world is sustainable economic growth: broad, compounding prosperity that feeds rich and poor.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

The group's on-screen connection extends to the real world, cast members said.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

In real world terms, the researchers estimated that the program prevented about three cases of type 2 diabetes for every 100 participants.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

The Recollection collapsed, dropping Clare back into the real world.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.