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

In the brogue Eilish showcased, Miu Miu reimagined the classic men’s shoe, blending formality and laidback comfort by attaching a lightweight, sporty rubber sole to the leather upper. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025

And for his final stroke in a masterpiece of a third quarter, Maye launched a 39-yard touchdown to Kayshon Boutte in single coverage that rendered the fourth quarter a formality. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025

The election, viewed by many as a formality, is expected to reaffirm CCM’s decades-long control of Tanzanian politics. —Danish Manzoor Bhat, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025

To survive, and possibly flourish in coming seasons, the Gators’ formalities, procession and all, must remain brief. —Noah White, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 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