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

• heterodox
• irregular
• unceremonious
• unconventional
• unorthodox

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

One notable trend is the rise of authentic, informal leadership communication. —Feon Ang, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

The military activity occurred over 24 hours from Saturday to Sunday morning, with six aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait's median line, an informal boundary between the two sides. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Photo : Patrick Bertolino for Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty Scenic wallpaper brings the outdoors to the kitchen’s informal dining area. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024

The big picture: Organized volunteering and informal helping are both rising after COVID-era dips, a new AmeriCorps report finds. —Jeremy Duda, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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