flabby

USAGE SUMMARY

"flabby" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is soft, loose, and flaccid. For example, "The skin on his arms was flabby and soft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is your erection droopy or your tummy flabby?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Set during the Franco-Prussian war, the story's first few pages vividly depict a country being overrun, with "fat and flabby businessmen waiting anxiously for the conquerors to come", and the bodies of German soldiers being dragged from rivers, victims of "secret acts of vengeance".

The Guardian - Books

People will be set weekly challenges, which will be brought to life as "blob man", a lovable and distinctly flabby online pal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yes, it has a little grassiness and hop edge, but the dominant flavour here is flabby, honeyed sweetness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tata is often accused of being flabby and undisciplined.

The Economist

The bigger effect from the fintech revolution will be to force flabby incumbents to cut costs and improve the quality of their service.

The Economist

They can become flabby and lossmaking, as in the case of Japan's keiretsu.

The Economist

Whereas Western chefs tend to rub a chicken with butter or oil before roasting it at moderate heat, resulting in soft flesh and somewhat flabby skin, Chinese chefs first dry the chicken and then roast it at high heat, giving it a crisp skin and tougher meat.

The Economist

A second big step was to force the regular armed forces to accept a sharp cut in the privileged and flabby ranks of the top brass.It is much less clear how, when or whether any of this will happen, and how the cuts will fall on the army, navy and air force.

The Economist

"SOFT and flabby" was how the Conservatives described Labour's approach to crime in 1992.

The Economist

Barely a third of the size of Hyundai, Ssangyong is too small to throw its weight around and expand aggressively overseas (as the larger chaebol are doing); but it also looks too flabby and diverse to prosper in South Korea's increasingly competitive economy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical attributes, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Flabby" implies a lack of muscle tone and firmness, so ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

While "flabby" is widely understood, it can sound informal or even derogatory, especially when describing people or organizations in formal settings. Opt for more neutral terms like "inefficient" or "lacking tone" in professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "flabby" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a lack of firmness, tone, or effectiveness. Ludwig examples show its use in describing physical attributes, organizational inefficiencies, and even the quality of writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flabby" is a versatile adjective used to describe something lacking firmness, tone, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While appropriate in many contexts, be mindful of its slightly informal tone and potential negative connotations, especially in professional settings. Consider alternatives like "soft", "loose", or "inefficient" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soft

Describes a lack of firmness or rigidity, similar to the physical aspect of "flabby".

loose

Indicates a lack of tightness or compactness, reflecting the unstructured nature of something "flabby".

unfit

Suggests a lack of physical fitness or tone, a common implication of "flabby" when referring to bodies.

slack

Implies a lack of tension or vigor, much like something that is "flabby" lacks firmness.

weak

Conveys a lack of strength or effectiveness, often associated with the condition of being "flabby".

lax

Indicates a lack of strictness or firmness, similar to "flabby" in a figurative context.

yielding

Describes something easily moved or pressured, akin to the physical softness implied by "flabby".

feeble

Suggests weakness or ineffectiveness, mirroring the lack of strength often associated with "flabby".

ineffectual

Highlights a lack of effectiveness or power, similar to how a "flabby" organization might be inefficient.

undisciplined

Suggests a lack of control or structure, comparable to a "flabby" approach or system.

FAQs

How can I use "flabby" in a sentence?

You can use "flabby" to describe something that lacks firmness, like "His stomach was "flabby" from lack of exercise" or to describe something ineffective like "The company's operations had become "flabby" and inefficient".

What words can I use instead of "flabby"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "soft", "loose", "slack", or "feeble". Each carries slightly different connotations.

When is it appropriate to use "flabby"?

"Flabby" is appropriate when describing something that has lost its firmness or effectiveness. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts but be mindful of the potential for negative connotations, especially in formal settings.

Is "flabby" a formal or informal word?

"Flabby" tends to be more informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "inefficient", "lacking tone", or "unfit" to maintain a professional tone.