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

College football kickers have started communicating with each other through informal group chats and social media to negotiate contracts, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026

Their informal ‘pull-aside’ comes on the heels of a sweeping oil deal granting the United States a major stake in Venezuela’s vast reserves. — Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Heron House founder Charolette Obringer said the club, designed as an inclusive space, has Chinese mahjong lessons and has reached out to local Asian groups for informal partnerships on events. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

When Kyl returned to the halls of Congress in 2018, he was known as Kavanaugh's chief sherpa -- an informal but widely known term for a nominee's guide to the political tundra in the Senate. — Jacques Billeaud The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for informal

• abnormal
• conformal
• lognormal
• 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