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

The hall widens at several points to encourage informal gatherings, and a small lounge at the front offers opportunities for unstructured fun. —Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026

Among the pepper farmers, there are over 8,000 informal banking groups. —Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026

The senator’s letters also follow a 2025 report from Reuters that stated the Justice Department had paused its corporate monitorships as part of an informal review. —Ben Weiss, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026

As well as the world's largest navy consisting of more than 370 battle force People’s Liberation Army (PLA) vessels, China controls a shadow fleet of up to 200,000 fishing boats as an informal militia. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 16 Apr. 2026

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