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

For right now, a Studio Nicholson trench coat that fit even better IRL, and a lightweight knit from Aurelee acted as perfect foil for weather that’s still in limbo. —Talia Abbas, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025

Crocs continues to be a popular brand for comfortable shoes thanks to the iconic cushy foam that makes its footwear lightweight and easy to clean. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025

Adjective

Available in regular, tall, and petite lengths and sizes XS to 3X, these white pants are so smart to have on hand for summer outfits, thanks to their versatile color and lightweight design. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 10 May 2025

Stay cool with clothing: Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lightweight

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

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