formality

noun

for·​mal·​i·​ty fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē 

plural formalities

1

: compliance with formal or conventional rules : ceremony

2

: the quality or state of being formal

3

: an established form or procedure that is required or conventional

The interview was just a formality.

Did you know?

Formal behavior follows the proper forms or customs, and informal behavior feels free to ignore them. The formality of a dinner party is indicated by such formalities as invitations, required dress, and full table settings. Legal formalities, or technicalities, may turn out to be all-important even if they often seem minor. America requires fewer formalities than many other countries (in Germany, for example, you may know someone for years before using his or her first name), but even in relaxed situations Americans may be observing invisible formalities.

Synonyms of formality

• gesture
• courtesy

Examples of formality in a Sentence

Her use of old-fashioned language lends an air of formality to her writing.

He failed to appreciate the formality of the occasion.

They haven't approved the loan yet, but that's just a mere formality.

Recent Examples on the Web

And the Cavaliers — much like the Hawks and Sixers before them — have already stopped fighting back, the last game just a formality for the third team the Knicks will send to Cancun this season. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 May 2026

This series has always felt like a formality, with the expectation that New York makes it to the Finals. —David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026

The private ceremony reportedly served as a legal formality before their destination wedding celebration. —Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 22 May 2026

Minnesota’s interest in Broncos assistant GM Reed Burckhardt for its open general manager spot wasn’t just a formality out of familiarity. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• frugality
• legality
• lethality

Kids Definition

formality

noun

for·​mal·​i·​ty fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē 

plural formalities

1

: a going along with formal or customary rules : ceremony

2

: the quality or state of being formal

3

: an established form that is required or usual

the interview was just a formality