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 of lightweight

Noun

• cipher
• dwarf
• nobody
• insect

Adjective

• light
• small
• weightless
• fragile
• tiny
• thin
• feathery
• featherlight

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

Score this lightweight, comfortable over-ear headset for nearly half off. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026

People are also urged to wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, to limit strenuous activities to early morning or early evening hours and to take action when experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Adjective

The British southpaw fighter faced the Californian in 2021 for the ‘interim’ WBC lightweight title in Texas, flooring him in the second round with a blistering left hand. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Ultra-lightweight racing bucket seats and carbon fiber door cards have been swapped in, along with a roll bar in the name of support and rigidity. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 10 Sep. 2026

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