Flimsy
'flɪmzi
Definitions
2 meaningsNot strong or solid; easily damaged or broken; weak.
'flɪmzi
Easily damaged or broken; not strong or solid
The flimsy cardboard box couldn't hold the heavy books.
💡 Simply: Imagine a toy that breaks the moment you play with it. That's flimsy! It's not built to last.
👶 For kids: Something flimsy is weak and might break easily, like a paper airplane.
More Examples
Her excuse for missing the meeting was pretty flimsy.
The architect warned against using flimsy materials for the building's facade.
How It's Used
"The tent was made of flimsy material."
"The bridge's supports were considered flimsy after the tests."
"He saw a flimsy veil, almost transparent, floating in the air."
Not logically sound; not persuasive; weak or unconvincing; lacking solid foundation.
'flɪmzi
Not convincing; not well-supported
The alibi he provided was flimsy, and the detectives saw through it immediately.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone trying to prove something with not-so-good evidence. If their proof isn’t very strong, it’s flimsy!
👶 For kids: When something is flimsy, it doesn't make a lot of sense and is not very strong.
More Examples
Her justification for being late was flimsy and lacked any real detail.
The company's predictions for the next quarter were based on flimsy market analysis.
How It's Used
"The lawyer argued that the evidence against his client was flimsy."
"His argument was based on flimsy evidence."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
flimsy excuse
An excuse that is not believable or valid; a weak justification.
"He gave a flimsy excuse for not doing his homework."
flimsy evidence
Evidence that is not strong or convincing.
"The prosecution's case relied on flimsy evidence, and the defense easily disproved it."
From Middle English *flimsy*, possibly from Old Norse *flimsa* (to flutter, rush) or a related Scandinavian source, and influenced by the word 'flim' (weak, thin).
Used since the late 16th century, primarily referring to something weak or easily broken.
Memory tip
Think of a film that is easily torn - flimsy!
Word Origin
"Related to fluttering or being unstable."