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 • Mar. 29, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

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 • Mar. 20, 2026

Ziemba said she did not think the US would want money from oil sales to go to Iran's government - but it could be hard to prevent in practice.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

This was our policy, but in practice, it was not so simple.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela