informal

1 of 2

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

informality

2 of 2

noun

in·​formality ¦in+ 

1

: the quality or state of being informal : lack of regular, prescribed, or customary form

wayside camps, where the informality of hardships loosened tongues

—Mabel R. Gillis

everyday speech in all its informality and ease

—R. A. Hall, born 1911

2

: an informal act or proceeding

the wedding ceremony was enlivened by several unexpected informalities

Synonyms of informal

Adjective

• unconventional

Examples of informal in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Robb continued to work for Bass as an informal advisor until The Times and other outlets reported his dual roles. — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

The mix feels personal and informal rather than staged or overdone (a key characteristic of a maximalist living room). — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026

Semafor first reported, back in November, that Mamdani had tapped Khan as an informal adviser to wield the city’s consumer-protection power. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 23 July 2026

One of the mainstays of the local economy is also artisanal gold mining — which attracts informal workers who are highly mobile, and therefore likely to spread Ebola quickly if infected. — Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

in- entry 1 + formality

First Known Use

Adjective

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