interpersonal

American  

[in-ter-pur-suh-nl] / ˌɪn tərˈpɜr sə nl /

adjective

1. of or pertaining to the relations between persons.

   As a leader goes higher in an organization, commonly their technical skills are called upon less and less, while their interpersonal skills become more important.

2. existing or occurring between persons.

   It is unlikely that someone with paranoia will thrive in interpersonal relationships.

   She is trained and certified in the treatment of emotional trauma resulting from interpersonal violence.

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interpersonal British  

/ ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənəl /

adjective

1. between persons; involving personal relationships

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Other Word Forms

• interpersonally adverb

Etymology

Origin of interpersonal

First recorded in 1835–45; inter- + personal

Compare meaning

How does interpersonal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• interpersonal vs. intrapersonal

Explanation

Interpersonal refers to something involving, or occurring among several people. Interpersonal skills refer to our ability to get along with others. The adjective interpersonal really only has one meaning, so when you hear this word, you know you're hearing about interactions between people. Sometimes corporations find it useful to train their employees on any interpersonal skills they may be lacking, especially if they have a group of really socially awkward people, because it really does make the work environment a lot easier if your coworkers all get along with one another.

Example Sentences

"The assessments are that she will struggle with maintaining a job, long-term, probably with the disciplines and the interpersonal relationships that are involved in it," Nichola said.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

First, he hooks us on the interpersonal drama of a revolutionary group called the French 75.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

"We need to start a discourse about how we as a society -- through our norms, structural factors, and interpersonal relationships -- address the challenges of aging."

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

Shares in DoorDash also veered 6.6% lower Monday after Citrini’s Substack note called the delivery app a “poster child” for how new tools would upend companies that monetize interpersonal friction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

As the twentieth century progressed, developments in computing and interpersonal communications technology, which had been evolving somewhat independently, began to converge.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Related Words

• social