Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Lacking physical strength or solidity; easily damaged or broken: "flimsy" describes objects that are poorly made, thin, or weak in structure.
   • Lacking substance, strength, or plausibility; weak and unconvincing: "flimsy" describes arguments, evidence, or excuses that are not solid or believable.

2. Noun:

   • A thin, lightweight, translucent paper: Historically, "flimsy" refers to a type of paper, often used for making carbon copies or by journalists for dispatches.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The tent was made of such flimsy material that it tore in the wind.
  • She gave a flimsy excuse for being late, which nobody believed.
  • The prosecution's case was built on flimsy evidence.

• Noun:

  • The reporter scribbled his notes on a sheet of flimsy. (This usage is now rare or historical.)

Advanced Usage

• "flimsy at best": used to emphasize that something is very weak or inadequate.
  • His knowledge of the subject is flimsy at best.
• "flimsy pretext": a weak or transparent reason used to justify an action.
  • The invasion was launched under the flimsy pretext of restoring order.

Variants and Related Words

• Flimsily (adverb): in a weak or insubstantial manner.
  • The shed was flimsily constructed.
• Flimsiness (noun): the quality of being flimsy.
  • The flimsiness of the argument was apparent to everyone.

Synonyms

• Adjective (physical): fragile, frail, insubstantial, weak, delicate, rickety.
• Adjective (non-physical): weak, unconvincing, implausible, tenuous, slight, superficial, shallow.

Antonyms

• Adjective (physical): sturdy, solid, strong, robust, durable.
• Adjective (non-physical): strong, convincing, solid, substantial, sound, cogent.

Related Phrases

• Flimsy evidence: Evidence that is weak and insufficient to support a conclusion.
• Flimsy construction: A structure that is poorly and weakly built.

Adjective

1. lacking substance or significance; a fragile claim to fame"
   • slight evidence
   • a tenuous argument
   • a thin plot
2. not convincing
   • unconvincing argument
   • as unconvincing as a forced smile
3. lacking solidity or strength
   • a flimsy table
   • flimsy construction

Noun

1. a thin strong lightweight translucent paper used especially for making carbon copies