real-life

adjective

ˈrē(-ə)l-ˈlīf 

: existing or occurring in reality : drawn from or drawing on actual events or situations

real-life problems

real-life drama

Examples of real-life in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Beresford says the real-life group had to be condensed for the stage, with composite characters like Reggie and Steph standing in for several real activists. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Foundation founder Michael Otto said this report allows Aid by Trade to convey to those partners and the greater industry the real-life impact behind the standard verification labels on apparel. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

She was instructed to think of someone in her life, describe them, walk around as them, become them — then pull from other real-life situations, then let the magic of fiction take over. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026

Former Gotham co-stars and real-life husband-and-wife Ben McKenzie and Morena Baccarin will reunite on-screen in the Season 2 premiere of Baccarin’s Sheriff Country, their first appearance together on the CBS series. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for real-life

• alewife
• birdlife
• folklife
• housewife
• jackknife
• midlife
• midwife
• nightlife
• penknife
• wildlife
• afterlife
• pocketknife

Kids Definition

real-life

adjective

: happening in reality : being like real life