FLIMSY (flimsier, flimsiest)

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

Irregular inflected forms: flimsier    , flimsiest   

 Dictionary entry overview: What does flimsy mean? 

• FLIMSY (noun)
  The noun FLIMSY has 1 sense:

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

  Familiarity information: FLIMSY used as a noun is very rare.

• FLIMSY (adjective)
  The adjective FLIMSY has 3 senses:

1. lacking solidity or strength

2. not convincing

3. lacking substance or significance

  Familiarity information: FLIMSY used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FLIMSY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A thin strong lightweight translucent paper used especially for making carbon copies

Classified under:

Nouns denoting substances

Synonyms:

flimsy; onionskin

Hypernyms ("flimsy" is a kind of...):

typewriter paper; typing paper (writing paper suitable for use in a typewriter)

Derivation:

flimsy (lacking solidity or strength)

• FLIMSY (adjective)

Comparative: flimsier   
Superlative: flimsiest   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Lacking solidity or strength

Synonyms:

flimsy; insubstantial

Context example:

vinyl siding has become the standard-bearer for cheap, insubstantial construction

Similar:

weak (wanting in physical strength)

Derivation:

flimsiness (the property of weakness by virtue of careless construction)

flimsy (a thin strong lightweight translucent paper used especially for making carbon copies)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Not convincing

Synonyms:

flimsy; unconvincing

Context example:

as unconvincing as a forced smile

Similar:

unpersuasive (not capable of persuading)

Also:

incredible; unbelievable (beyond belief or understanding)

Derivation:

flimsiness (the property of weakness by virtue of careless construction)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Lacking substance or significance

Synonyms:

flimsy; fragile; slight; tenuous; thin

Context example:

a fragile claim to fame

Similar:

insignificant; unimportant (devoid of importance, meaning, or force)