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

Many fundamental aspects of teamwork—such as spontaneous collaboration, real-time feedback and informal bonding—are harder to cultivate in a virtual environment. —Daria Rudnik, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Its core concepts were rooted in intuition and informal arguments, rather than precise, formal definitions. —Solomon Adams, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2025

Sorry to break it to you, but the tampering that happens is not informal. —Cory Lavalette, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025

This effort by the informal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — the cross-agency team tasked by President Trump to slash federal spending — is not the first to try to downsize the federal government. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025

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