impersonal

adjective

im·​per·​son·​al (ˌ)im-ˈpər-sə-nəl 

-ˈpərs-nəl

1

a

: having no personal reference or connection

impersonal criticism

b

: not engaging the human personality or emotions

the machine as compared with the hand tool is an impersonal agency

—John Dewey

c

: not existing as a person : not having human qualities or characteristics

2

a

: denoting the verbal action of an unspecified agent and hence used with no expressed subject (such as methinks) or with a merely formal subject (such as rained in it rained)

b

of a pronoun : indefinite

impersonality

(ˌ)im-ˌpər-sə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

impersonally

(ˌ)im-ˈpər-sə-nə-lē 

-ˈpərs-nə-lē

adverb

Examples of impersonal in a Sentence

We discussed the weather and other impersonal topics.

He maintained an impersonal, professional attitude.

“Rained” in “it rained” is an impersonal verb.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is a step toward rebuilding trust in a system that often feels impersonal and opaque. —Chris Bowen, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

Instead of a gentle reminder, borrowers learned about their delinquency through impersonal emails from credit bureaus or sudden cuts to their credit limits. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Transactions are often impersonal and lacking in education or accessibility. —Brandon Aversano, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

While self-awareness is great, turning a date into an impromptu therapy session can feel intrusive and impersonal, making the other person feel analyzed rather than understood. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin impersonalis, from Latin in- + Late Latin personalis personal

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for impersonal

• nonpersonal
• transpersonal
• interpersonal
• intrapersonal
• personal

Kids Definition

impersonal

adjective

im·​per·​son·​al (ˈ)im-ˈpərs-nəl 

-ᵊn-əl

1

: having no expressed subject or no subject other than "it"

"rained" in "it rained" is an impersonal verb

2

: not personal:

a

: not showing or involving personal feelings : detached

an impersonal professional attitude

b

: not caring about individual persons or their feelings

cold impersonal cities

a giant impersonal corporation

impersonality

(ˌ)im-ˌpərs-ᵊn-ˈal-ət-ē 

noun

impersonally

(ˈ)im-ˈpərs-nə-lē 

-ᵊn-ə-lē

adverb