adjective

flimsy

/ˈflɪmzi/ · say it: FLIM·zee

weak and easily damaged

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) thin and weak; easily torn or broken

2. (adjective) not strong or convincing; lacking substance or validity

Examples

1. The flimsy paper tore easily when I folded it.
2. His excuse for being late was flimsy and unconvincing.

How to use flimsy

Flimsy describes something that is physically weak or insubstantial, or figuratively lacking credibility or strength of argument. It often carries a note of disapproval or inadequacy, suggesting that something is not fit for its purpose. It is more dismissive than synonyms like 'fragile' or 'delicate', which can be morally neutral or even valued.

Common phrases

flimsy excuse
flimsy evidence
flimsy material
flimsy structure
flimsy pretext
flimsy construction

Synonyms

fragile · delicate · insubstantial · weak · feeble

Opposites

sturdy · solid · robust

Word family

flimsily (adverb) · flimsiness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use flimsy to mean merely 'thin' or 'lightweight' without the additional sense of weakness or poor quality; it always implies inadequacy or lack of substance.

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