informal

adjective

in·​for·​mal (ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 

1

: marked by the absence of formality or ceremony

an informal meeting

2

: characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use

informal clothes

informality

(ˌ)in-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē 

-fər-

noun

informally

(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• heterodox
• irregular
• unceremonious
• unconventional
• unorthodox

Examples of informal in a Sentence

We had an informal meeting over lunch.

He has an informal manner that puts people at ease.

He spoke to them in informal Spanish.

The term is common in informal contexts.

He took an informal poll among his coworkers.

Recent Examples on the Web

This reality underscores a broader truth: In the Islamic Republic, legal texts often mask the informal mechanisms that truly govern political life. —Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025

Training and development: Are there formal and informal opportunities to build new, relevant knowledge and skills? —Bruce Tulgan, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Chris Jackson/Getty Images At one stage, the king had hoped for a more informal meeting in Scotland, where the royals spend their summer holiday. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

The partnership was a crash course for them both: an informal academy with a class roster of two. —Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for informal

• abnormal
• conformal
• lognormal
• nonformal
• subnormal
• formal
• formyl
• orthonormal
• paranormal
• supernormal

Kids Definition

informal

adjective

in·​for·​mal (ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 

1

: not formal

an informal party

2

: suited for ordinary or everyday use

informal clothes

informality

ˌin-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē 

-fər-

noun

informally

(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē 

adverb

Legal Definition

informal

adjective

in·​for·​mal

: marked by the absence of required forms or procedures or by the relaxation of prescribed rules

an informal hearing