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

---

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

---

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

But it’s just as much about journalistic malpractice, ethical outrages and the besmearing of reputations on the flimsiest of evidence.

From The Wall Street Journal

This time, a witness grew suspicious because Neves Valente was wearing a mask and dark, flimsy clothing inappropriate for the cold weather.

From The Wall Street Journal

Neves Valente’s flimsy clothes didn’t seem suitable for the cold weather, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The hardware is flimsy, but the summaries and automatic to-do lists have been surprisingly useful.

From The Wall Street Journal

Critics argue that this interpretation is legally flimsy and dangerously broad.

From Salon

Related Words

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