informal

1 of 2

adjective

in·​for·​mal (ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 

1

: marked by the absence of formality or ceremony

an informal meeting

2

: characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use

informal clothes

informality

(ˌ)in-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē 

-fər-

noun

informally

(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē 

adverb

informality

2 of 2

noun

in·​formality ¦in+ 

1

: the quality or state of being informal : lack of regular, prescribed, or customary form

wayside camps, where the informality of hardships loosened tongues

—Mabel R. Gillis

everyday speech in all its informality and ease

—R. A. Hall, born 1911

2

: an informal act or proceeding

the wedding ceremony was enlivened by several unexpected informalities

Synonyms of informal

Adjective

• unconventional

Examples of informal in a Sentence

Adjective

We had an informal meeting over lunch.

He has an informal manner that puts people at ease.

He spoke to them in informal Spanish.

The term is common in informal contexts.

He took an informal poll among his coworkers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

His breezy and informal connection to the American president gives him currency in international politics. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

This keeps the performance informal and keeps the narrative — a staggering odyssey of injustices, abuses, travel adventures, extraordinary coincidences, losses, reunions, reflections and self-analysis — from becoming sensationalized. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

The same is true of the price of pesticide, which is brought into Gaza via informal channels and sold by traders at a steep markup. — Ghada Abdulfattah, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026

Gun homicides mostly affect South Africa’s poorest communities in townships and informal settlements made up of shacks and small homes on the edges of big cities. — Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

in- entry 1 + formality

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for informal

• abnormal
• conformal
• lognormal
• subnormal
• formal
• formyl
• orthonormal
• paranormal
• supernormal

Kids Definition

informal

adjective

in·​for·​mal (ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 

1

: not formal

an informal party

2

: suited for ordinary or everyday use

informal clothes

informality

ˌin-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē 

-fər-

noun

informally

(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē 

adverb

Legal Definition

informal

adjective

in·​for·​mal

: marked by the absence of required forms or procedures or by the relaxation of prescribed rules

an informal hearing