flighty

American  

[flahy-tee] / ˈflaɪ ti /

adjective

flightier, flightiest

1. given to flights flight of fancy; capricious; frivolous.

   Synonyms:

   irresponsible, undependable, mercurial

2. slightly delirious; light-headed; mildly crazy.

3. irresponsible.

   He said I was too flighty to be a good supervisor.

4. Archaic. swift or fleet.

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flighty British  

/ ˈflaɪtɪ /

adjective

1. frivolous and irresponsible; capricious; volatile

2. mentally erratic, unstable, or wandering

3. flirtatious; coquettish

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Other Word Forms

• flightily adverb
• flightiness noun
• unflighty adjective

Etymology

Origin of flighty

First recorded in 1545–55; flight ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Mrs. Wilson is a little flighty like that, which is why she sometimes pays me to go knock on her door and remind her to clean her hamster cage.

From Literature

“It isn’t Nigeria, but it’s close. I know celebrities can be flighty but she seems to be doing good work.”

From Literature

But when Richard Parkers amber eyes met mine, the stare was intense, cold and unflinching, not flighty or friendly, and spoke of self-possession on the point of exploding with rage.

From Literature

Pumpkin was amiable to every horse he met and became a surrogate parent to the flighty ones.

From Literature

“You not some happy-go-lucky kid anymore. You one grown man. You a father. No can be flighty, go off anywhere you like. You need for provide Clara with stability.”

From Literature

Related Words

• capricious
• giddy
• unstable