lightweight

1 of 2

noun

light·​weight ˈlīt-ˌwāt 

plural lightweights

1

: one of less than average weight

specifically : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs compare featherweight, welterweight

2

: one of little consequence or ability

a political lightweight

3

: a person who becomes inebriated after consuming relatively small amounts of alcohol or drugs

Even at 6 foot 5 inches tall, Dean was a lightweight, and he sounded to be two drinks in, Johnson said.

—Kate Sosin

lightweight

2 of 2

adjective

1

: lacking in earnestness, ability, or profundity : inconsequential

a lightweight painter

a lightweight TV series

2

: having less than average weight

lightweight fabrics

3

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight

the lightweight championship

Synonyms

Noun

• cipher
• dwarf
• half-pint
• insect
• insignificancy
• morsel
• nobody
• nonentity
• nothing
• nullity
• number
• pip-squeak
• pygmy
• pigmy
• shrimp
• snippersnapper
• twerp
• whippersnapper
• zero
• zilch

Adjective

• featherlight
• feathery
• light
• underweight
• weightless

Examples of lightweight in a Sentence

Noun

The members of his staff were considered lightweights.

among astronomers she's considered a lightweight

Adjective

it's going to be hot, so wear mostly lightweight clothing

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 16 June 2024

For something ultra lightweight, a linen button-down will keep you cool and covered. —Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 May 2024

Adjective

This Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill is extremely easy to transport thanks to its lightweight and compact design. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 27 June 2024

It is designed to be lightweight and not too hot to stay relaxed and comfortable. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 27 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lightweight

1 of 2 noun

light·​weight ˈlīt-ˌwāt 

1

: one of less than average weight

especially : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 135 pounds

2

: a person of little importance

lightweight

2 of 2 adjective

: having less than the usual or expected weight