What does informal mean?
Informal describes language, behavior, arrangements, or events that are relaxed, casual, or not governed by strict official conventions. It can indicate that something is intentionally easygoing, as in an informal conversation, or that it lacks official status, as in an informal agreement. The word is common in everyday speech and in institutional contexts such as education, business, and diplomacy, where distinguishing personal exchanges from official procedures can matter. As a noun, an informal is a casual social gathering, a usage especially associated with British English. Informal does not necessarily mean careless or impolite; it simply marks a departure from formal, ceremonial, or strictly official style.
Relaxed, casual, or not conforming to official or conventional rules.
"The two leaders held an informal meeting to discuss the proposal."
The adjective is standard in British and American English. It can describe speech, communication, dress, events, agreements, and interactions.
A casual social gathering or event, especially one arranged without formal ceremony.
"Everyone gathered at the informal for drinks after work."
The noun usage is especially established in British English. In American English, “an informal gathering” is often preferred for clarity.
An informal occasion is relaxed by definition, but the word can also describe a person who uses everyday language rather than ceremonious or official language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of informal
Informal was formed in the early 19th century from the Latin-derived stem inform- and the suffix -al, meaning “without form.” Its semantic opposite, formal, likewise refers to adherence to established form or convention. The word belongs to the same Latin root as form, formal, format, and information, all of which concern organization, shape, or presentation.
Related word forms
How informal is actually used
As an adjective, informal is widely used in British and American English for both casual behavior and unofficial arrangements. As a noun, “an informal” is especially common in British English; American English more often uses “an informal gathering” or “an informal get-together.”
Easily confused with informal
Informal describes a relaxed, unofficial, or casual style or event, whereas formal describes a style or event conducted according to official rules or conventions.