flimsy

1 of 2

adjective

flim·​sy ˈflim-zē How to pronounce flimsy (audio)
flimsier; flimsiest
1
a
: lacking in physical strength or substance
flimsy silks
wore a flimsy dress
b
: of inferior materials and workmanship
flimsy construction
2
: having little worth or plausibility
a flimsy excuse
a movie with a flimsy plot
flimsily adverb
flimsiness noun

flimsy

2 of 2

noun

plural flimsies
chiefly British
: a lightweight paper used especially for multiple copies
also : a document printed on flimsy

Examples of flimsy in a Sentence

Adjective a flimsy piece of material They have only the flimsiest of evidence against him. a movie with a flimsy plot
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Asgard Chelsea Ankle Waterproof Rain Boots Boots can be a headache to pack, but this rubber pair is lightweight without feeling flimsy. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2024 For that to happen, there would have to be a song on the soundtrack worth remembering, and every number in the latest Disney sequel feels as flimsy and disposable as the last. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 28 Nov. 2024 The black bistro-style handles felt sophisticated (and matched my glossy black dishes), but the materials were cheap, and within a year or two, those cool handles had separated from the flimsy stainless steel. Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 29 Oct. 2024 The best house shoes for women are hardly limited to fluffy, flimsy slippers—there are clogs, sturdy indoor-outdoor options, and slides that’ll keep you comfy while tackling your chores, grabbing the mail, or relaxing with your favorite comfort show. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flimsy 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

perhaps alteration of film entry 1 + -sy (as in tricksy)

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flimsy was circa 1702

Dictionary Entries Near flimsy

Cite this Entry

“Flimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flimsy. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

flimsy

adjective
flim·​sy
ˈflim-zē
flimsier; flimsiest
1
: not strong or solid
flimsy clothes
a flimsy old car
2
: not likely or convincing
a flimsy excuse
a movie with a flimsy plot
flimsily
-zə-lē
adverb
flimsiness
-zē-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on flimsy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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