impersonal

adjective

im·​per·​son·​al (ˌ)im-ˈpər-sə-nəl 

-ˈpərs-nəl

1

a

: lacking emotional warmth

a giant impersonal corporation

b(1)

: not relating to or influenced by personal feelings

an impersonal, professional attitude

(2)

: having no personal reference or connection

impersonal criticism

c

: not engaging the human personality or emotions

The machine as compared with the hand tool is an impersonal agency.

—John Dewey

d

: 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

impersonality

(ˌ)im-ˌpər-sə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

impersonally

(ˌ)im-ˈpər-sə-nə-lē 

-ˈpərs-nə-lē

adverb

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

Gone are the buffets, Broadway shows, and impersonal service. —Julie Jones, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2025

Not all white paint colors are alike, and choosing an overly bright shade can read as sterile, cold, and impersonal. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025

Giving that aligns with personal values or strengthens social connection is likely to be more beneficial than something that is impersonal or transactional. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025

In the name of efficiency, a clean shave or a precise cut in even the most sophisticated cities relied on impersonal online bookings, quick turnaround times, and interiors that definitely spared expense. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 20 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin impersonalis, from Latin in- + Late Latin personalis personal

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for impersonal

• nonpersonal
• transpersonal
• interpersonal
• intrapersonal
• personal

Kids 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

impersonality

(ˌ)im-ˌpərs-ᵊn-ˈal-ət-ē 

noun

impersonally

(ˈ)im-ˈpərs-nə-lē 

-ᵊn-ə-lē

adverb