# slim

/ˈsɫɪm/ (US) · /slˈɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slim
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. thin in an attractive way

adjective · CEFR A2

thin in a way that looks healthy and attractive.

For teachers: slender or thin in a physically attractive or graceful manner.

- She stayed slim by cycling to work every day and eating healthy meals.
- The athlete maintained a slim but muscular build through a rigorous combination of cardiovascular training and a strict nutritional regimen.

### 2. very small amount

adjective · CEFR B1

very small in amount or chance.

For teachers: very small in degree, amount, or probability.

- There is only a slim chance that the flight will arrive on time.
- The company faced slim profit margins during the first quarter, forcing the board to reconsider their expansion strategy for the following year.

### 3. to lose weight

verb · CEFR B1

to try to become thinner, often by eating less or exercising more.

For teachers: to reduce one's body weight or thickness, typically through dieting or physical activity.

- He managed to slim down before his wedding by cutting out sugar.
- The actor needed to slim down significantly for the role, working closely with a professional trainer to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Usage: often used with the particle 'down'

### 4. thin cigarette

noun · CEFR C1 · General-service

a type of cigarette that is longer and thinner than a standard one.

For teachers: a cigarette manufactured to be longer and narrower than standard dimensions.

- She preferred smoking slims because she thought they looked more elegant.
- The tobacco company marketed its new line of slims specifically toward a demographic that associated thinness with sophistication.

### 5. poor quality

adjective · CEFR C2 · British English · Dialect

not well-made or of bad quality.

For teachers: of questionable quality or flimsy construction.

- That is a slim excuse for being late to the meeting.
- The shed was a slim construction that looked unlikely to survive the heavy winds predicted for the weekend.

## Examples

- She wants to slim down before her wedding next month.
- He managed to slim down significantly by cutting out sugary snacks and walking to work every day.
- The athlete needed to slim down to meet the weight requirements for his specific competitive category without sacrificing his overall muscle density.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.