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

Her informal show-and-tell presentation came at a time when Super Bowl tickets had ballooned past $100 per seat. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025

Zoom in: The question of whether to form a formal Jewish Caucus has been a point of contention for years among Jewish lawmakers, who have often met as an informal Jewish members' working group. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025

It is not known how many employees have joined this informal movement. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025

Don’t underestimate the power of an informal training. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025

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