real world

American  

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

noun

1. 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

“Because I’m dealing with real buildings that exist in the real world, it’s not laid out exactly the same as it is in the game,” says Howard Cummings, the show’s production designer.

From Los Angeles Times

In the real world, Dr Cooper says that the same behaviours can leave us isolated, anxious and disconnected.

From BBC

Physical AI, smart machines that can interact in the real world, isn’t the only reason it’s a big year for the electric vehicle maker.

From Barron's

In Noe Valley in San Francisco, another domestic robot company has already deployed its stationary bot to gather real world data, albeit in the narrow task of folding laundry.

From BBC

"To make robots general machines, they need to be let out in the real world," Rokseth said, not just assembly lines or warehouses.

From Barron's

Related Words

• here and now