ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lightweight

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɫaɪtˈweɪt// UK //lˈaɪtweɪt// light·weight

n. someone who has very little influence or importance in a particular group. In a social setting, it can also describe a person who gets drunk very quickly after only one or two drinks.

n. a person of little importance, influence, or intellectual depth within a specific field. In a colloquial context, refers to an individual with a low tolerance for alcohol.


SIMPLE

He is a political lightweight who nobody takes seriously.

CONTEXTUAL

The critics dismissed the new director as a lightweight who lacked the vision to handle such a massive budget.

COMPLEX

Despite his family's long history in the industry, the heir proved to be a total lightweight, unable to grasp the complexities of international trade law or corporate strategy.

Synonyms
Origin

From light (“not heavy”, adjective) + weight (noun).

Usage

Often used pejoratively to diminish someone's professional standing.

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