impersonal
adjective
im·per·son·al
(ˌ)im-ˈpər-sə-nəl 
-ˈpərs-nəl
1
a
: having no personal reference or connection
impersonal criticism
b
: not engaging the human personality or emotions
the machine as compared with the hand tool is an impersonal agency—
John Dewey
John Dewey
c
: not existing as a person : not having human qualities or characteristics
2
a
: denoting the verbal action of an unspecified agent and hence used with no expressed subject (such as methinks) or with a merely formal subject (such as rained in it rained)
b
of a pronoun
: indefinite
Examples of impersonal in a Sentence
We discussed the weather and other impersonal topics.
He maintained an impersonal, professional attitude.
“Rained” in “it rained” is an impersonal verb.
Recent Examples on the Web
Are there parts of our systems that feel impersonal or cold?
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
The impersonal hand of the machine is programmed to render nature drawings by Imazu, the rainforest scene’s erasure directly tied to the health of the plant that serves as its living stand-in.
—Naima Morelli, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Bureaucrats’ expertise and adherence to impersonal rules are meant to advance the common interest: for young and old, rural and urban dwellers alike, and many more.
—Michel Anteby, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2025
The technique involves coming up with a random, impersonal word and then brainstorming for just a few seconds at a time.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impersonal
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Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
The impersonal hand of the machine is programmed to render nature drawings by Imazu, the rainforest scene’s erasure directly tied to the health of the plant that serves as its living stand-in.
—Naima Morelli, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Bureaucrats’ expertise and adherence to impersonal rules are meant to advance the common interest: for young and old, rural and urban dwellers alike, and many more.
—Michel Anteby, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2025
The technique involves coming up with a random, impersonal word and then brainstorming for just a few seconds at a time.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impersonal
Cite this Entry
“Impersonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impersonal. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
impersonal
adjective
im·per·son·al
(ˈ)im-ˈpərs-nəl
-ᵊn-əl
1
: having no expressed subject or no subject other than "it"
"rained" in "it rained" is an impersonal verb
2
: not personal:
a
: not showing or involving personal feelings : detached
an impersonal professional attitude
b
: not caring about individual persons or their feelings
cold impersonal cities
a giant impersonal corporation
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