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

At lightweight, Brent Primus faces Gadzhi Rabadanov. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

The tester is allergic to down, and said the down alternative fill has the same lightweight, puffy (no pun intended) feel of down. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 18 Nov. 2024

Adjective

The lightweight tubs have vented lids for safe heating in the microwave. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024

This cookware is lightweight yet super durable, and always offers even heat distribution—no hot spots in sight. —Donna Kim, Bon Appétit, 29 Nov. 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