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
Adjective
Defense attorneys are expected to argue Trump has been charged on flimsy evidence from an untrustworthy key witness. Graham Kates, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2024 Any excess from the flimsy header cables, such as from the HD Audio and front-panel button/LED combo, can tuck in that space. PCMAG, 21 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flimsy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flimsy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 May. 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

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