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

As fishermen wrestled their catches out of flimsy fiberglass boats near a makeshift shoreside market recently, several stopped to talk with CNN, complaining that the war is ruining business. — Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Besides, his long hours of labor are balanced out with what looks like a flimsy draw on paper. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Each tool is nonstick, dishwasher-safe, and flexible without being flimsy. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026

Unlike other flimsy flip-flops, this style has arch support built into the contoured cork-latex footbed for comfort that lasts well beyond your first few strides. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 20 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