ENGLISH
REFERENCE

flimsy

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɫɪmzi// UK //flˈɪmzi// flim·sy Archaic Slang

adj. describes something that is thin, weak, and breaks easily. You can also use it for an excuse or argument that is not very convincing.

adj. characterised by a lack of physical strength or structural integrity; easily damaged. When applied to abstract concepts like evidence or excuses, it indicates a lack of plausibility or persuasive force.


SIMPLE

The flimsy table broke when I sat on it.

CONTEXTUAL

The suspect provided a flimsy alibi that the detectives easily disproved within an hour of the interview.

COMPLEX

Constructed from flimsy materials that were never intended to withstand the coastal winds, the temporary pavilion collapsed during the first autumn storm.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

The origin of the adjective is uncertain; it is possibly from flim(-flam) (“(noun) false information presented as true, misinformation, nonsense; poor attempt at deception, confidence trick, pretence; (adjective) frivolous, nonsensical; deceptive; fictitious”) or a metathesis of film (“thin layer of a substance; slender thread”) + -sy (suffix forming adjectives and nouns). The noun and verb are derived from the noun. Noun noun sense 4 (“metal container”) refers to the fact that the containers often split along their seams and leaked.

Usage

Often used both literally for physical objects and figuratively for arguments or excuses.

© 2026 English Reference