flimsy

1 of 2

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 2

noun

plural flimsies

chiefly British

: a lightweight paper used especially for multiple copies

also : a document printed on 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

Some had Trumpian golden eagles atop the roofs, and a flimsy triumphal arch stood at the center beside the Ferris wheel. — Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026

Unlike modern sports trading cards, which are not only hefty but often bedazzled with autographs, jersey patches, and random holograms, the Panini stickers are flimsy and meant to be abused. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 30 June 2026

The start-stop button is also oddly positioned and has a flimsy touch functionality. — James Raia, Mercury News, 28 June 2026

Using flimsy or degradable sealants that allow bats to reenter. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 24 June 2026

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

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