real world

[ ree-uhl, reel ]

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of real world¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Related Words

• here and now