impersonal

adjective

im·​per·​son·​al (ˌ)im-ˈpər-sə-nəl How to pronounce impersonal (audio)
-ˈpərs-nəl
1
a
: having no personal reference or connection
impersonal criticism
b
: not engaging the human personality or emotions
the machine as compared with the hand tool is an impersonal agencyJohn Dewey
c
: not existing as a person : not having human qualities or characteristics
2
a
: denoting the verbal action of an unspecified agent and hence used with no expressed subject (such as methinks) or with a merely formal subject (such as rained in it rained)
b
of a pronoun : indefinite
impersonally
(ˌ)im-ˈpər-sə-nə-lē How to pronounce impersonal (audio)
-ˈpərs-nə-lē
adverb

Examples of impersonal in a Sentence

We discussed the weather and other impersonal topics. He maintained an impersonal, professional attitude. “Rained” in “it rained” is an impersonal verb.
Recent Examples on the Web Rameau said the tone of the message was impersonal, detached and did not sound like Knezevich. Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024 Icon of the Seas is neither hellacious, horrendous, impersonal, monstrous nor lumbering. David Dickstein, Orange County Register, 2 Feb. 2024 Many pieces on immigration feel abstract, impersonal; this is quite the opposite. Longreads, 23 Feb. 2024 These individuals are often blamed for their poor health conditions and receive impersonal engagements with practitioners, a commonality in the US healthcare system. Camryn J. Wells, Parents, 17 Feb. 2024 In the original movie, Jolie and Pitt present as such flawless physical specimens that watching them clash feels vaguely impersonal, like an anthropological experiment or a child’s Barbie battle. Reggie Ugwu, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2024 Focus on building relationships rather than making impersonal connections. Jia Rizvi, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Some commended Pietsch, who did not respond to The Post’s request for comment, for sharing her experience and shamed the company for its impersonal approach to layoffs. Taylor Telford, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2024 Margot Robbie in 'Barbie' | Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Gerwig put out a call earlier this year to cast and crew who wanted to submit footage of loved ones, describing the sequence as a way to make an otherwise impersonal story feel personal. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 24 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impersonal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin impersonalis, from Latin in- + Late Latin personalis personal

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of impersonal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near impersonal

Cite this Entry

“Impersonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impersonal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impersonal

adjective
im·​per·​son·​al (ˈ)im-ˈpərs-nəl How to pronounce impersonal (audio)
-ᵊn-əl
1
: having no expressed subject or no subject other than "it"
"rained" in "it rained" is an impersonal verb
2
: not personal:
a
: not showing or involving personal feelings : detached
an impersonal professional attitude
b
: not caring about individual persons or their feelings
cold impersonal cities
a giant impersonal corporation
impersonally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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