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 of informal

• unconventional

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

Osteria a Priori serves traditional Umbrian dishes in an informal setting. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2025

Still, these informal ties matter. —Nic Cheeseman, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

Duperre announced that Argentina had broken the informal world record, which was set last year in Vancouver with 1,685 goldens. —Miguel Lo Bianco, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025

Worse off yet are the informal factories that make up as much as one-quarter of the industry, yet are nearly completely off the radar—even DIFE’s—yet subcontract with larger facilities, said Tamim Ahmed, senior research associate at the Centre for Policy Dialogue. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 15 Dec. 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