flimsy

USAGE SUMMARY

"flimsy" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is easily broken or damaged, such as a material object or an argument. For example, "The box was made of such flimsy cardboard that it crumpled as soon as I picked it up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bond markets took fright, pushing up the risk premiums on Greek borrowing to exorbitant levels and triggering a spiral of panic and brinkmanship that engulfed Ireland and Portugal and exposed the flimsy foundations of the common currency.

The Guardian - Business

The sudden and unexpected failure of the body is a shocking catastrophe that threatens the flimsy edifice we call the "self", with a corresponding strain on intimacy.

The Guardian

But when Miliband challenged him on the fairly flimsy nature of the assurances given by Pfizer, and about the prospect of job cuts and the company being broken up if the takeover goes ahead, Cameron was forced onto the defensive.

The Guardian

Storm Thorgerson could be inscrutable, grand and archly funny – all qualities that placed him some distance from the music industry's standard mixture of flimsy bonhomie and superficiality.

The Guardian - Music

Flimsy rows of concrete arches hang above swaths of blue mirror glass, punctuated by stick-on timber trellis screens.

The Guardian - Arts

Hodgson has not had a terrible sporting year and ends it having swapped Hull KR for Canberra Raiders but it will be remembered for the moment after England went out of the Four Nations, when a night out ended, in the early hours of the morning, with Hodgson launching himself at the flimsy door of a student flat in Dunedin, flying straight through it and leaving a Hodgson-shaped hole behind.

The Guardian - Sport

Seyfried gives presence to a role that could have been flimsy.

The Guardian - Film

However there is another benefit to well-conducted research, which is that many drugs initiatives are based on flimsy evidence.

The Guardian

Further on, the pavements are packed with shacks built with plywood or sometimes bricks, divided into warrens by pieces of cloth and flimsy partitions.

The Guardian

Even for those familiar with São Paulo's favelas, the first sight of the flimsy, dilapidated shacks in the Favela do Moinho comes as a shock.

The Guardian

Even the flimsy pretext of concern for children rings resoundingly hollow: despite the odious insinuations of conservative groups, homosexuality itself is not psychologically unhealthy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an argument as "flimsy", ensure you can clearly articulate why it lacks substance or evidence. Providing specific examples strengthens your critique.

Common error

Avoid using "flimsy" as a generic descriptor of negativity. Always provide context to explain what makes something "flimsy" (e.g., "flimsy evidence", "flimsy excuse").

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flimsy" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their lack of strength, substance, or quality. Ludwig examples show it qualifying nouns like "foundations", "excuses", and "materials".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "flimsy" is a versatile term used to describe something lacking in strength, substance, or persuasiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and business contexts. When using "flimsy", ensure you provide specific context to enhance clarity. Consider related terms like "fragile" or "weak" to refine your meaning. By avoiding overuse and providing clear context, you can effectively communicate the intended meaning of "flimsy" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile

Refers to something easily broken or damaged, similar to "flimsy" but emphasizes physical vulnerability.

weak

Indicates a lack of strength or resilience, broadly overlapping with "flimsy" in meaning.

unsubstantial

Highlights the lack of material or factual support, applicable to arguments or constructions.

shaky

Suggests instability or unreliability, often used for structures or foundations.

tenuous

Implies a weak or uncertain connection or grip, suitable for relationships or arguments.

feeble

Indicates a lack of physical or intellectual strength; applies to arguments or people.

unconvincing

Describes something that fails to persuade or inspire belief, applicable to excuses or justifications.

poorly constructed

Focuses on the inferior quality of the building or assembly of something.

inadequate

Suggests insufficiency or deficiency, suitable when something doesn't meet requirements.

patchy

Implies that something has low-quality or unreliable parts.

FAQs

How can I use "flimsy" in a sentence?

You can use "flimsy" to describe something that is weak, poorly made, or unconvincing. For instance, "The argument was based on "flimsy evidence"", or "The shack was made of "flimsy materials"".

What are some synonyms for "flimsy"?

Alternatives to "flimsy" include "fragile", "weak", "unsubstantial", or "shaky", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "flimsy" to describe an argument?

Yes, "flimsy" can describe an argument or excuse that is unconvincing or lacks a solid foundation. For example, "The politician offered a "flimsy excuse" for his actions."

What's the difference between "flimsy" and "fragile"?

"Flimsy" suggests poor construction or a lack of substance, while "fragile" emphasizes the ease with which something can be broken. A "flimsy" structure might collapse easily, while a "fragile" vase might shatter if dropped.