slimmer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'slimmer' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is of relatively smaller size, or to refer to a person who tries to reduce their body weight. For example, "I recently bought a slimmer desk for my bedroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the odds are getting slimmer with every passing week.

The Guardian

Designed by the Danish architecture and engineering firm Bystrup, the new pylon is about a third smaller than its predecessor; it is also paler and slimmer, and shares a certain aesthetic with wind turbines.

The Guardian

At 97, he is obviously not as physically robust as people remember him – as with one of his successors at No 11, Lord Lawson, one sees a slimmer version – but still mentally alert, a genial host, who proudly showed us (I was with Alun Evans, incoming British Academy chief executive) around various studies, and an impressive collection of books, paintings and photographs.

The Guardian

Runner-up: Bizarre for the sheer editorial absurdity that the most watched televisual spectacle of the millennium would need to be modified for its audience, Grazia's royal wedding cover featured what most would consider Photoshop's apex of pointlessness: a slimmer Kate Middleton.

The Guardian - Arts

Hall said he wanted to reduce the number of managers at the corporation to produce a "simpler, slimmer BBC".

The Guardian

Cutting costs will buy time, and slimmer operations will make it easier to implement his strategy.

The Economist

American claims that some of the 2.5 inches lost per passenger will be made up in slimmer seats, but business travellers who are unlucky enough to find themselves in economy should delay judgment until they actually test out the new seats.A few trends are pulling in opposite directions here.

The Economist

The aim is for them to become fitter activities range from yoga to martial arts as well as slimmer.

The Economist

The slimmer, reshaped business will need less space.

The Economist

Among men its lead is a slimmer 4.6 points.In this section Never walk alone Revving up Ladies in red Aisle be damned Teen spirit Bitter medicine Fees fi fo fum The hated body politic ReprintsIt was not always thus.

The Economist

Mr Brown revealed that education will get a relatively generous settlement, but other ministers will get slimmer pickings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slimmer" to suggest a comparative reduction; for example, "a slimmer budget" implies a reduction from a previous budget, rather than simply a small budget.

Common error

Avoid using "slimmer" to describe something without a clear comparison. For example, instead of saying "This is a slimmer design", specify what it is slimmer than, such as "This design is slimmer than the previous model".

Linguistic Context

The word "slimmer" functions primarily as a comparative adjective. It modifies nouns by indicating a relative reduction in size, weight, or bulk compared to something else. As Ludwig highlights, it suggests a reduction or refinement in the characteristic being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slimmer" functions as a comparative adjective used to describe something that has been reduced in size, weight, or bulk. Ludwig's analysis, along with the numerous examples, confirms that the word is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. Remember to use "slimmer" when making a direct comparison and to specify what is being compared to avoid ambiguity. Related alternatives such as "more slender" and "more streamlined" can provide nuanced alternatives, depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more slender

This alternative emphasizes a graceful thinness, particularly in describing physical appearance.

more streamlined

This alternative focuses on efficiency and sleekness, often used for processes or designs.

more compact

This alternative highlights reduced size and efficient use of space.

more trim

This alternative suggests a neat and well-maintained thinness or efficiency.

more lightweight

This alternative emphasizes reduced weight, making something easier to carry or manage.

more attenuated

This alternative describes a lessening or weakening, often of intensity or force.

more petite

This alternative specifically refers to a small and delicate size, typically used for women.

more delicate

This alternative suggests fragility and refinement in smallness.

more svelte

This alternative implies an elegant and slender figure.

more slight

This alternative indicates a small degree of size or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "slimmer" in a sentence?

You can use "slimmer" to compare the size or weight of two things, such as "The new phone is "slimmer" than the old one", or to describe someone who is trying to lose weight: "She is on a diet to get "slimmer"".

What are some synonyms for "slimmer"?

Synonyms for "slimmer" include "more slender", "more streamlined", or "more compact", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "more slim" instead of "slimmer"?

While "more slim" is understandable, "slimmer" is the grammatically preferred comparative form of "slim". "More slim" is less common and can sound awkward in formal writing.

When should I use "thinner" instead of "slimmer"?

"Thinner" generally refers to a reduction in thickness or width, while "slimmer" often implies a reduction in overall size or weight. Use "thinner" for objects like paper or walls, and "slimmer" for people or designs that have been reduced in bulk.