informal

adjective

in-FOR-muhl/ɪnˈfɔɹm(ə)l/UKin-FAW-muhl/ɪnˈfɔːm(ə)l/

5 meanings of informal

1
adjective
Relaxed and easygoing, without strict rules about how to behave or dress.
Like wearing comfy clothes at home instead of a suit.
We had an informal chat about the project over coffee.
The party was very informal, so I wore jeans and sneakers.
Similarcasual, relaxed, easygoing, unceremonious, laid-back
Oppositeformal, ceremonious, stiff
Note
2
adjective
Used in everyday speech, not in formal writing or careful talk.
Like the relaxed way you talk with friends, not the careful way you write a school report.
"Gonna" is an informal way of saying "going to."
That word is too informal for a business email.
Similarcolloquial, conversational, casual, familiar, chatty
Oppositeformal, literary
Note
3
adjective
Made for normal, everyday use rather than special occasions.
Like sneakers you wear every day, not dress shoes for a wedding.
These are informal shoes you can wear to the store.
We use the informal dining room for quick family meals.
Similarcasual, everyday, relaxed
Oppositeformal, dressy
4
adjective
Not following the official rules or the proper steps.
Like a promise between friends, not a signed contract.
They made an informal deal without signing any papers.
The teacher gave an informal warning before any real punishment.
Similarunofficial, irregular, unwritten
Oppositeofficial, formal, authorized
5
adjective
Not planned or arranged in an organized way.
Like a game friends make up as they go, with no rulebook.
We have an informal system for sharing garden tools among neighbors.
The group started as an informal club with no rules or schedule.
Similarloose, unstructured, unplanned
Oppositestructured, organized, formal, systematic
Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from "in-" (meaning "not") plus the word "formal."