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

Most travelers now prize comfort over formality, especially given the typically tight seating in economy and the likelihood of delays. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

According to people familiar with the situation, his exit was a formality, and delayed only as the parties negotiated a settlement. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Nov. 2025

The judge handed Zhang 15 months in prison and ordered him to repay $150,000 – a formality as authorities had already seized that amount in the raid. —Rob Kuznia, CNN Money, 18 Nov. 2025

Within Letizia’s rotation, the appearance extends her pattern of understated, low-heeled formality — from the burgundy kitten heels worn at Madrid’s Innovation and Design Awards last week to the black slingbacks that matched Princess Sofía at Spain’s National Day. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025

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