B2adjectivelanguagework
US/ɪnˈfɔːr.məl/
UK/ɪnˈfɔː.məl/
relaxed and friendly, not official or serious; suitable for friends and family
In context
The interview was quite informal; we just chatted over coffee.
'Gonna' is informal, so don't use it in your IELTS essay.
Many people in Vietnam work in the informal economy, like street vendors.
Words that go with informal
adjective + noun
- informal languageText messages are full of informal language and short forms.
- informal meetingWe had an informal meeting over lunch to plan the trip.
- informal economyWorkers in the informal economy often have no health insurance.
- informal chatThe manager invited me for an informal chat before the real interview.
- informal styleHis blog is written in a funny, informal style.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This word is unformal.Correct: This word is informal.