in practice

Idioms  

1. Actually, in fact, especially as opposed to theoretically or in principle . For example, In practice this contraption seems to work, although no one knows how or why . [Second half of 1500s] Also see put into practice .

2. In the exercise of a particular profession, as in She's an obstetrician and has been in practice for at least ten years . [c. 1700]

3. In a state of being exercised so as to maintain one's skill, as in This trumpeter is always in practice . [Early 1600s] For an antonym, see out of practice .

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Example Sentences

Although light has multiple properties that could be used to carry more data, combining them effectively has been difficult in practice.

From Science Daily

Their experience ranged from beginners to specialists with up to 40 years in practice.

From Science Daily

But in practice, usage remains "limited" because "the costs are still prohibitive for most users," according to NetFreedom Pioneers' Emilia James.

From Barron's

For decades, closure of the strait was regarded as something that was conceivable in theory, but operationally improbable in practice, Morgan Stanley noted.

From Barron's

If a crypto firm can move funds through the same payment rails as traditional banks, it begins to function like a bank in practice — even if it is regulated differently than traditional banking institutions.

From MarketWatch