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

Derived 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.

China has more than 40 state-owned robot data-collection facilities where hundreds of on-site humans mimic train bots how to move in the real world.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

But in the real world, engaged in the daily tedium of commuting, the SS’s straight-line superlatives amount to little.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

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

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

Then one day it is finally determined that I have become one with the real world once more—or at least am within striking distance—and I’m released into the loving arms of my family.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

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