informal

in·for·mal | \ (ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl

How to pronounce informal (audio)

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Definition of informal

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

Other Words from informal Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about informal

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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 People can create formal or informal agreements about sharing a car, kayak or other possessions. — oregonlive, "Communal living in Portland during the coronavirus pandemic: Yes, it’s safe and it’s working," 8 July 2020 One of many reasons is large portions of the economies are in the informal sector and by definition offer fewer reliable data sources with which to make estimates. — Yinka Adegoke, Quartz Africa, "Africa’s pathway to economic recovery post-Covid is looking much more murky," 6 July 2020 The weakening of businesses and the crippling of India’s informal sector are major problems. — Prathamesh Mulye, Quartz India, "India’s economic growth will recover next year, but it won’t be easy," 3 July 2020 Meanwhile, many of the stores have found both formal and informal ways to keep classes and gatherings going. — Radhika Marya, Fortune, "How yarn stores are adapting to and preparing for social distancing," 10 June 2020 According to Ericson, half of the world’s lead gets recycled in the informal sector. — Anuradha Varanasi, Wired, "India Is Using More Solar Energy—but It Carries a Lead Risk," 6 June 2020 In Italy, where the informal sector makes up perhaps 14% of the economy, casual workers are falling back on charity. — The Economist, "The week in charts America, race and the police," 5 June 2020 Back at Freeport Marina, boats have filled the docks, alcohol is flowing, the band is blaring, and something resembling an informal bikini contest is underway. — John Huey, Southern Living, "The Ultimate Boat Trip Through South Carolina's Undiscovered Lowcountry," 10 July 2020 But in interviews with WIRED, competitive Smash players and fans say the community’s informal structure, egalitarian ideals, and multigenerational appeal have all inadvertently contributed to an unsafe environment. — Cecilia D'anastasio, Wired, "The Super Smash Bros. Community Reckons With Sexual Misconduct Allegations," 10 July 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'informal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near informal

in for a penny, in for a pound

informal planning

Statistics for informal

Last Updated

2 Aug 2020

Cite this Entry

“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 14 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for informal

informal

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of informal

: having a friendly and relaxed quality

: suited for ordinary use when you are relaxing

of language : relaxed in tone : not suited for serious or official speech and writing

See the full definition for informal in the English Language Learners Dictionary

informal

in·for·mal | \ in-ˈfȯr-məl

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Kids Definition of informal

1 : not requiring serious or formal behavior or dress an informal party

2 : suitable for ordinary or everyday use an informal dining area

informal

in·for·mal

Legal Definition of informal

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

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