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

Channeling its sartorial craftsmanship into tailored and more casual looks, the lineup stood out for its lightweight, yet cocooning suits defined by regular pants and double-breasted blazers, in a balance of rigor and softness. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025

There are a number of potentially epic fights Pico could have at lightweight in the UFC. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Even with a lightweight feel, Taylor’s testing determined it was never see-through, and the streamlined profile felt fitted without running small or tight. —Emily Hochberg, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025

The lightweight, skinny, stretchy black headband sits atop a messy middle part and covering part of her ears. —Marci Robin, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025

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