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

These lightweight yet still creamy liquid formulas brighten instead of masking, making dark circles and discoloration appear softer without looking obviously covered. — Marci Robin, Allure, 13 Aug. 2026

Instead, opt for something lightweight that won’t dig into you, like these G Gradual ankle pants. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026

Adjective

If your hair is feeling dry, hairstylist Kee Taylor recommends smoothing a lightweight oil through the midlengths and ends to improve manageability and shine. — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026

For the living room, replace lightweight summer throws with chunkier knit, wool, or bouclé blankets draped over the back of a sofa or accent chair. — Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 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