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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.

College coddling ends in the real world, writes Callum Borchers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

The group's on-screen connection extends to the real world, cast members said.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

So far, the revelations about Chopra’s friendship with Epstein have had limited effects in the real world.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

“This is exactly what happened on Friday, the harsh reality of the real world where inflation remains stubbornly hot is starting to sink in,” Hogan added.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

There’s a lot to look at in the real world.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini

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.