noun
the world; society; the public
A somewhat formal or literary term for the world of human society, public opinion, or the times. Often used in expressions like 世上の評判 (public reputation) or 世上を騒がせる (to cause a public stir).
その事件は世上を騒がせた。
The incident caused a public stir.
世上の評判を気にする。
I worry about public reputation.
Compound of 世 (world, society) and 上 (above, on), literally 'on the world', referring to the public sphere or society at large. The reading せじょう is the on'yomi of both characters.