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

Upon completion, officers will be matched with a certified trainer for whichever location they are assigned to and continue training in a real-life environment. —Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 23 Aug. 2025

While there's plenty of tragic moments on Outlander: Blood of My Blood, the fourth episode of the Starz series is marked by a real-life loss. —Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 23 Aug. 2025

Panelists from Marquette University, UW-Madison and Texas Southern University offered real-life advice, shared lessons learned and talked about taking full advantage of college by getting internships. —La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025

These muscles support posture and strength for real-life scenarios like carrying groceries, opening tightly closed lids, and even holding onto a pole to prevent yourself from falling while taking public transportation. —Andy Fata-Chan, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for real-life

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

Kids Definition

real-life

adjective

: happening in reality : being like real life