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

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.

In the real world, your attitude toward risk depends partly on who you are, but also on what you’ve lived through.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

That matters because in the real world, A.I. use comes in a spectrum.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

In the real world, underspending is often blamed on uncertainty.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

The seven-time Grand Slam champion, who had not played since last August's US Open, said he was "excited to enter the real world".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“Ain’t you got enough real world problems to keep you busy?”

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

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