the flimsy

USAGE SUMMARY

"the flimsy" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used as an adjective to describe something that is weak, fragile, or easily damaged. Example: The flimsy paper bag tore as I tried to lift it with too many items inside.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now for the flimsy political reason.

The New York Times

In with the flimsy and dull.

Independent

They power along the flimsy narrative.

The Guardian - Music

It controls the flimsy Chilean welfare sector.

The Guardian - Opinion

If there's one nit, it's the flimsy wooden chopsticks.

The Washington Post

But the flimsy dough can be tougher to shape.

The Washington Post

They pursued the case despite the flimsy evidence against Stagg.

The Guardian

Burnt walls testify to the dangers of the flimsy stores.

The Guardian

The fashion caught on and before long large quantities of the flimsy squares were being imported.

Princeton University

Memories of the flimsy evidence that led to the war in Iraq remain vivid.

The Economist

The two Americans relax with drinks as Sharpless admires the view and the flimsy little house.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the flimsy", ensure the context clearly indicates what is weak or fragile. Avoid overuse; consider stronger synonyms for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "the flimsy" when describing something that is completely destroyed or broken beyond repair. "Flimsy" implies a degree of weakness, not complete destruction. Consider using words like "shattered" or "demolished" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the flimsy" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a quality of weakness, fragility, or lack of substance. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used to describe various nouns, such as "the flimsy evidence", "the flimsy tents" or "the flimsy door".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the flimsy" is a determiner phrase functioning as an adjective, most commonly used to describe something lacking strength or substance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and versatile, with usage spanning across news, academic and general descriptive contexts. The phrase conveys a negative assessment and is generally considered to be neutral in tone. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "the fragile" or "the weak", while keeping in mind the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fragile

Emphasizes delicacy and susceptibility to damage.

the weak

Focuses on the lack of strength or resilience.

the unsubstantial

Highlights the lack of material or factual basis.

the delicate

Suggests a refined or easily damaged quality.

the rickety

Implies a shaky and unstable condition.

the shaky

Highlights instability and a lack of firmness.

the brittle

Focuses on the tendency to break or shatter easily.

the frail

Suggests physical weakness or vulnerability.

the inadequate

Highlights the lack of sufficiency or competence.

the poorly made

Indicates inferior quality or construction.

FAQs

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

"The flimsy" is used to describe something that is weak, fragile, or not well-made. For instance, you could say, "The tent was made of such flimsy material that it tore in the wind."

What are some alternatives to "the flimsy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the fragile", "the weak", or "the unsubstantial".

Is it correct to say "a flimsy" instead of "the flimsy"?

While "the flimsy" implies a specific item or situation, "a flimsy" is grammatically correct when referring to one of many flimsy items or a general instance of flimsiness. For instance, "a flimsy excuse".

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

"The flimsy" suggests a lack of structural integrity or poor construction, while "the fragile" indicates a susceptibility to being broken or damaged. Something can be flimsy without being fragile, and vice versa.