flimsy

1 of 3

adjective

flim·​sy ˈflim-zē 

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

ˈflim-zə-lē 

adverb

flimsiness

ˈflim-zē-nəs 

noun

flimsy

2 of 3

noun (1)

plural flimsies

chiefly British

: a lightweight paper used especially for multiple copies

also : a document printed on flimsy

flimsiness

3 of 3

noun (2)

flim·​si·​ness -zēnə̇s 

-zin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being flimsy

Synonyms of flimsy

Adjective

• unsubstantial
• insubstantial
• fragile
• gossamer
• gauzy
• sheer
• delicate
• filmy
• sleazy
• frothy
• fine
• feeble
• cobwebby
• transparent

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

Luckily for everyone involved, the barriers were the flimsy plastic kind; otherwise, this might’ve ended up being fodder for the World Bollard Association. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Aug. 2026

However, her recent falling out with Lively has left that title feeling very flimsy. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 18 Aug. 2026

Not only will the strappy upper keep your feet cool under the hot Mediterranean sun, but the plush memory foam insole provides more cushioned support and durability than flimsy flip-flops. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026

That can lead to structural problems, from drawer fronts pulling off to flimsy drawer bottoms sagging or falling out under the weight of their contents. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (1)

1814, in the meaning defined above

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