flimsy material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flimsy material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of material that is weak, thin, or not sturdy, often in contexts related to clothing, construction, or packaging. Example: "The tent was made of flimsy material, which made it difficult to withstand the strong winds."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Though my favorite, they took practice; I'd often tear the flimsy material or, worse, mislay it over cuticles.

The New York Times

If you want to use flimsy material, such as decorative napkins or tissue paper for your magnet image, then buy chip board to reinforce the material.

WikiHow

A garlic press made from a heavier material will usually be easier to press together than one made of a light, flimsy material.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Rakish sculptural elements in flimsy materials and rich colors apostrophize futurist forms and typography.

The New Yorker

Rather, it appeared to be the newer buildings, made of flimsy materials and put up by cowboy builders, that gave.

The Economist

Her work often features the country's local carpets, while its pared-back appearance and flimsy materials echo the clean, definite forms of eastern-bloc architecture, belying a shaky political regime.

The Guardian - Arts

It is a magnificent rehabilitation but it could have finished the job by arguing that Moore in his last two decades, when he modelled his work out of cheap, flimsy materials such as plaster, wax and polystyrene, was still as far ahead of his times as he always had been.

The Guardian - Arts

Within a week, we were seeing people starting to rebuild in the same low-lying areas that were devastated by the typhoon and using the same kinds of flimsy materials.

Los Angeles Times

The majority of households lived in houses built with flimsy materials, reflecting their economic poverty.> The Table  2 shows the environmental characteristics of the households.

BMC Public Health

Stay away from sheer, flimsy materials, especially as the weather gets cooler.

WikiHow

But Spiro is a charming enough actress to sell even the flimsiest material.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the physical properties of an object, use "flimsy material" to clearly convey its lack of durability or resilience. For example, "The toy was made of flimsy material, and it broke within minutes of being used."

Common error

Avoid using "flimsy material" when a more specific descriptor is appropriate. Instead of saying "The building was made of flimsy material", specify "corrugated iron" or "thin plywood" if those are the actual materials used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flimsy material" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to indicate that it lacks strength, durability, or substance. It's commonly used to convey a negative assessment of the material's quality, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flimsy material" is a descriptive term used to indicate a lack of strength or durability in a substance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and generally acceptable, although it might benefit from more specific alternatives in formal contexts. While the phrase appears across various categories such as news, wikis, and scientific articles, its overall frequency is rare. When writing, be mindful to use "flimsy material" when conveying a negative evaluation of an object's quality and consider more precise alternatives for formal or technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak material

Focuses on the lack of strength in the material.

fragile material

Emphasizes the ease with which the material can be broken.

delicate material

Highlights the fineness and susceptibility to damage.

thin material

Stresses the lack of thickness and substance.

poor quality material

Broadly indicates inferior construction or composition.

inferior material

Highlights that the material is sub-par.

cheap material

Focuses on the low cost and associated lack of durability.

unstable material

Emphasizes the lack of structural integrity.

shoddy material

Suggests poor workmanship and low-grade components.

substandard material

Highlights that the material does not meet the required standards.

FAQs

What does "flimsy material" mean?

The term "flimsy material" refers to a substance that is thin, weak, and lacking in durability or structural integrity. It suggests something easily damaged or broken.

What are some synonyms for "flimsy material"?

Some alternatives to "flimsy material" include "weak material", "fragile material", and "thin material". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I use "flimsy material" in a sentence?

You might say, "The tent was constructed from flimsy material, offering little protection from the wind" or "The box was made of flimsy material and collapsed under the weight of the books."

Is it appropriate to use "flimsy material" in formal writing?

While "flimsy material" is understandable, more formal contexts might benefit from more precise terms like "substandard material" or descriptions that specify the material's deficiencies, such as "low-density plastic".