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
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
adverb -ˈpərs-nə-lē
Example Sentences
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 The boxy aspect ratio suggests her isolation, an impression reinforced by the impersonal nature of her interactions in the early scenes — leaving voicemails, distractedly kneading a client’s back, snapping a photo for a family of tourists. Jon Frosch, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2022 Flooded with impersonal emails, our email inboxes have become a chore. Joanna Stern, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2022 The fact remains, though, that for many Americans, our health-care system is impersonal, overtaxed, and inadequate. Maggie Mertens, The Atlantic, 22 July 2022 If the lake seemed too small-scale, the canyon is the opposite — too massive, almost impersonal. New York Times, 12 May 2022 And while communicating by text or email isn't as impersonal as social media, Akbari recommended that people call their friends. Rachel Fadem, CNN, 30 July 2022 The surfaces have been compared to plaster and rough cement — less the result of an artist’s intentional handiwork than of an impersonal, cumulative process. Washington Post, 7 July 2022 This is better than some impersonal, drone-like conference-room view, especially when people in that room are talking. Joanna Stern, WSJ, 15 June 2022 For those who have been finding their way back into shops, whether big-box stores or small boutiques, the energy of in-person exchanges will always beat the faceless, impersonal act of pressing the checkout button online. Allie Volpe, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2022 See More
Jon Frosch, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2022 Flooded with impersonal emails, our email inboxes have become a chore. Joanna Stern, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2022 The fact remains, though, that for many Americans, our health-care system is impersonal, overtaxed, and inadequate. Maggie Mertens, The Atlantic, 22 July 2022 If the lake seemed too small-scale, the canyon is the opposite — too massive, almost impersonal. New York Times, 12 May 2022 And while communicating by text or email isn't as impersonal as social media, Akbari recommended that people call their friends. Rachel Fadem, CNN, 30 July 2022 The surfaces have been compared to plaster and rough cement — less the result of an artist’s intentional handiwork than of an impersonal, cumulative process. Washington Post, 7 July 2022 This is better than some impersonal, drone-like conference-room view, especially when people in that room are talking. Joanna Stern, WSJ, 15 June 2022 For those who have been finding their way back into shops, whether big-box stores or small boutiques, the energy of in-person exchanges will always beat the faceless, impersonal act of pressing the checkout button online. Allie Volpe, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2022 See More 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
Kids Definition
impersonal
adjective
im·per·son·al im-ˈpər-sə-nəl
1
: not caring about individual persons or their feelings
She disliked the large impersonal city.
2
: not showing or involving personal feelings
We discussed the weather and other impersonal topics.
impersonal
adjective
as in withdrawn
having or showing no emotional warmth or interest in others The CEO was impersonal during the meeting, focusing only on the business at hand. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- withdrawn
- detached
- detached
- distant
- dispassionate
- clinical
- professional
- silent
- dispassionate
- reserved
- aloof
- unsocial
- standoffish
- cold
- remote
- introverted
- standoffish
- asocial
- reclusive
- antisocial
- unsociable
- soulless
- automatic
- unemotional
- unreal
- indrawn
- indifferent
- dry
- hokey
- unauthentic
- unbending
- recessive
- offish
- unrealistic
- timid
- misanthropic
- frosty
- apathetic
- reserved
- pat
- manufactured
- unresponsive
- labored
- cool
- canned
- disinterested
- shy
- unconcerned
- undemonstrative
- uninterested
- standoff
- fabricated
- nongregarious
- uncommunicative
- taciturn
- uncaring
- unfeeling
- unenthusiastic
- cold-eyed
- buttoned-up
- concocted
- unclubbable
- diffident
- unfriendly
- heartless
- incurious
- icy
- pitiless
- frigid
- unsympathetic
- glacial
- reticent
- clammy
- antiseptic
- arctic
- coldhearted
- bloodless
- hard
- chilly
- brittle
- frozen
- frosty
- gelid
- chill
- wintry
- hard-eyed
- wintery
- cold-eyed
- coldish
- hard-hearted
- cold-blooded
- uncordial
- kindless
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- kind
- compassionate
- emotional
- sympathetic
- warm
- friendly
- cordial
- genial
- kindhearted
- expressive
- demonstrative
- warmhearted
- communicative
- expansive
- gregarious
- convivial
- clubby
- social
- happy
- companionable
- outgoing
- folksy
- hearty
- talkative
- congenial
- extroverted
- extraverted
- hospitable
- gracious
- garrulous
- amiable
- affable
- warm-blooded
- neighborly
- boon
- agreeable
- clubbable
- sociable
- kindly
- clubable