Lightweight
/ˈlaɪtweɪt/
Definitions
3 meaningsHaving a small amount of weight; not heavy.
/ˈlaɪtweɪt/
Having relatively little weight.
The new running shoes are lightweight, making them perfect for long distances.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're carrying a bag. If it's super easy to lift, because it doesn't have much stuff in it, then it's lightweight. Like a super light blanket or a tiny toy car!
👶 For kids: Not heavy.
More Examples
She preferred a lightweight laptop for traveling.
How It's Used
"The lightweight backpack made the hike much easier."
"He's a lightweight boxer, competing in the lower weight class."
Not serious or important; lacking substance or depth.
/ˈlaɪtweɪt/
Of little importance or influence.
The lightweight criticism didn't hurt his confidence.
💡 Simply: If someone says your idea is lightweight, it means they don't think it's very good or important. Like, if you come up with a plan that's not very strong, it could be called lightweight.
👶 For kids: Not very important.
More Examples
The movie had a lightweight plot.
How It's Used
"The senator dismissed the allegations as lightweight concerns."
"The lightweight argument didn't convince anyone."
A person or thing considered to be unimportant or of little influence.
/ˈlaɪtweɪt/
A person or thing of little importance.
He was dismissed as a lightweight contender.
💡 Simply: A person who is not considered to be very important. Like a beginner in a sport.
👶 For kids: A person who is not important.
More Examples
The company was seen as a lightweight in the industry.
How It's Used
"He was seen as a lightweight in political circles."
"The lightweight boxers faced off in the final round."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From "light" + "weight". The earliest uses referred to the physical weight of something. Its metaphorical sense expanded over time to encompass figurative lack of substance or significance.
Originally used to describe physical weight, the figurative use related to a lack of importance became more common in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a feather; it's lightweight.
Word Origin
"light (adj.) + weight (n.)"