informal

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

Synonyms of informal

• unconventional

Examples of informal in a Sentence

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

Death cafes are informal safe spaces where people gather to openly discuss death over food and drinks, hoping to normalize conversations about death. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025

After that informal review, the process also allows school boards to appeal the decision, which Fort Worth ISD’s board is currently doing. —Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Dec. 2025

BookTok, the sprawling and informal literary community on TikTok, has pushed many people to read outside their usual interests. —Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2025

For many microbusinesses, an informal economy is a survival strategy. —Robert Muggah, The Conversation, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for informal

• abnormal
• conformal
• lognormal
• nonformal
• 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