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

The informal conversation between CBS and the NFL will continue, and the two sides will remain in near-constant contact as the season gets underway, but there’s no imperative to get an early deal done. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Seaweed is an informal name for the many kinds of marine algae that grow along seashores. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Diplomatic efforts today too often grant the Taliban a formal place at the table while limiting contact with Afghan women to informal consultations. — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

Between now and then, there is much parsing of the 16-track album’s rich content to be done, with millions of words of formal and informal think-pieces to come. — Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Aug. 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