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Synonyms

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

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.

Real world events maybe played less of a role in this series than your others, but still functioned as a metaphor.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2024

Real world stuff that affects millions of citizens.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2016

Real world videos show the chain’s behavior is far from steady, he adds.

From Scientific American • Jan. 15, 2014

Real world mileage: I averaged 32 miles per gallon in mostly highway travel.

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2012

Real world aliens are often made of sterner stuff.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2010

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.