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

The 24-year-old was on an incredible 30-match winning streak – having won three clay court Masters tournaments in a row in Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome – and, with no Carlos Alcaraz in action, another grand slam victory seemed like a formality. —Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 May 2026

The service Service is excellent but the staff are a bit more relaxed than other five stars of this caliber, preferring friendliness to formality. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026

Their segment emphasized movement, contemporary music, diverse casting, and an ease that felt radically current compared to the formality of traditional couture presentations. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

This game is a formality before the squad and staff can lift the trophy after a 22-year wait. —Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 26 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