Flimsy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈflim-zē/ flim·sy

Meaning & Definition of Flimsy

Flimsy (adjective)

  1. lacking in physical strength or substance
  2. of inferior materials and workmanship
  3. having little worth or plausibility

Flimsy (noun)

  1. a lightweight paper used especially for multiple copies; also, a document printed on flimsy

Flimsy (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance

    "a flimsy scarf that was more for decoration than for warmth"

    similar: cobwebby, filmy, frothy, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, insubstantial, sleazy, unsubstantial
    related: dainty, delicate, fine, feeble, fragile, frail, diaphanous, sheer, transparent
    opposite: sturdy, substantial
    near: durable, knockabout, lasting, tough, coarse, heavy, rough, rude

  2. not likely to be true or to occur

    "The check is in the mail is a pretty flimsy and tired excuse"

    similar: doubtful, dubious, far-fetched, improbable, questionable, unapt, unlikely
    related: implausible, impossible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable, unthinkable, absurd, bizarre, crazy, fantastic, foolish, insane, nonsensical, odd, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous, unreal, wild, outside, remote, slight
    opposite: likely, probable
    near: believable, conceivable, credible, earthly, imaginable, plausible, possible, potential, liable

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Flimsy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Flimsy:

cobwebby, filmy, frothy, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, insubstantial, sleazy, unsubstantial, doubtful, dubious, far-fetched, improbable, questionable, unapt, unlikely

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Flimsy

Words with the opposite meaning of Flimsy:

sturdy, substantial, likely, probable

Related Words for Flimsy

dainty, delicate, fine, feeble, fragile, frail, diaphanous, sheer, transparent, implausible, impossible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable, unthinkable, absurd, bizarre, crazy, fantastic, foolish, insane, nonsensical, odd, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous, unreal, wild, outside

Near Antonyms of Flimsy

durable, knockabout, lasting, tough, coarse, heavy, rough, rude, believable, conceivable, credible, earthly, imaginable, plausible, possible, potential, liable

Word Forms of Flimsy

Inflections: flimsier, flimsiest, flimsies

Derived words: flimsily (adverb), flimsiness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Flimsy

perhaps alteration of film:1 + -sy (as in tricksy)

First known use: circa 1702

Frequently Asked Questions about Flimsy

What does "Flimsy" mean?

"Flimsy" means lacking in physical strength or substance. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: lacking in physical strength or substance. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Flimsy"?

Other words for "Flimsy" include cobwebby, filmy, frothy, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, insubstantial and sleazy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Flimsy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Flimsy"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Flimsy". Common alternatives include cobwebby, filmy, frothy, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, insubstantial, sleazy, unsubstantial and doubtful.

What is the opposite of "Flimsy"?

Antonyms of "Flimsy" include sturdy, substantial, likely and probable. Near antonyms include durable, knockabout, lasting and tough.

How do you use "Flimsy" in a sentence?

Examples of "Flimsy" in a sentence: "a flimsy scarf that was more for decoration than for warmth"; "The check is in the mail is a pretty flimsy and tired excuse".

Is "Flimsy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Flimsy" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Flimsy"?

"Flimsy" is pronounced /ˈflim-zē/ and divided into syllables as flim·sy.

What is the origin of the word "Flimsy"?

"Flimsy" comes from perhaps alteration of film:1 + -sy (as in tricksy). First known use: circa 1702.