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

Instead of launching bulky components that take up valuable cargo space, engineers could send lightweight, flat parts that curve into shape once activated. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025

Scoop up this Yankee Candle large jar candle for a festive balsam and cedar scent, then grab this customer-favorite Gildan sweatshirt that’s soft, cozy, and lightweight for year-round layering. —Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025

Adjective

The sleep expert also suggested keeping one lightweight duvet and fewer layers to ensure that the mattress and primary pillow are still providing plenty of support. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 16 Nov. 2025

But before those two brawl for lightweight gold, an enticing four-fight preliminary card will set the stage for what promises to be a special night at Madison Square Garden. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025

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