flimsy

American  

[flim-zee] / ˈflɪm zi /

adjective

flimsier, flimsiest

1. without material strength or solidity.

   a flimsy fabric; a flimsy structure.

   Synonyms:

   unsteady, unstable, weak, shoddy

   Antonyms:

   sturdy

2. weak; inadequate; not effective or convincing.

   a flimsy excuse.

   Synonyms:

   vague, lame, unconvincing

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noun

plural

flimsies

1. a thin kind of paper, especially for use in making several copies at a time of an article, telegraphic dispatch, or the like, as in newspaper work.

2. a copy of a report or dispatch on such paper.

flimsy British  

/ ˈflɪmzɪ /

adjective

1. not strong or substantial; fragile

   a flimsy building

2. light and thin

   a flimsy dress

3. unconvincing or inadequate; weak

   a flimsy excuse

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noun

1. thin paper used for making carbon copies of a letter, etc

2. a copy made on such paper

3. a slang word for banknote

Other Word Forms

• flimsily adverb
• flimsiness noun

Etymology

Origin of flimsy

1695–1705; flim- (perhaps metathetic variant of film ) + -sy

Example Sentences

However, that argument too, is looking flimsier given how expensive AI models are to build for relatively little payoff.

From Barron's

Dimly, Jonah wondered how the builder had done that, how the flimsy metal mailbox wasn’t crushed by the heavy bricks and mortar.

From Literature

For as long as index funds have existed, they’ve been under attack from competitors flinging one flimsy pretext after another.

From The Wall Street Journal

I slide the flimsy card up my sleeve and turn back around.

From Literature

The 8-foot by 8-foot sheds have become a staple of quick solutions to homelessness but face the criticism of being cramped, flimsy and undignified.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chiffon
• decrepit
• feeble
• insubstantial
• rickety
• shaky
• tacky