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Flimsiest: meaning, definitions and examples

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flimsiest

 

[ ˈflɪm.zi.ɪst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

quality, weakness

The term 'flimsiest' describes something that is not strong or solid, often implying a lack of durability or resilience. It can refer to physical objects, such as structures or materials, that are easily breakable or fragile. Additionally, the term can be used metaphorically to describe arguments or evidence that are weak or unconvincing. In general, 'flimsiest' conveys a sense of instability and vulnerability.

Synonyms

delicate, fragile, insubstantial, unconvincing, weak.

Examples of usage

  • The flimsiest piece of paper blew away in the wind.
  • She presented the flimsiest argument during the debate.
  • His flimsiest excuses didn't convince anyone.

Translations

Translations of the word "flimsiest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais frágil

🇮🇳 सबसे कमजोर

🇩🇪 am schwächsten

🇮🇩 paling rapuh

🇺🇦 найслабший

🇵🇱 najcieńszy

🇯🇵 最も薄い

🇫🇷 le plus fragile

🇪🇸 el más frágil

🇹🇷 en zayıf

🇰🇷 가장 약한

🇸🇦 الأضعف

🇨🇿 nejtenčí

🇸🇰 najtenší

🇨🇳 最薄的

🇸🇮 najtanjši

🇮🇸 veikasta

🇰🇿 ең әлсіз

🇬🇪 ყველაზე სუსტი

🇦🇿 ən zəif

🇲🇽 el más frágil

Etymology

The word 'flimsy' originates from the mid-19th century and is derived from the English dialect term 'flimsie', referring to something thin or fragile. The formation of 'flimsy' likely involved a combination of 'flim', which means to flutter or flit lightly, and a suffix that adds a diminutive quality, highlighting the lack of substance. Over time, 'flimsy' evolved to describe not only physical objects but also ideas and arguments that lack strength. The superlative form 'flimsiest' naturally emerged as the language developed, allowing for comparative descriptions of weakness and fragility. The term has been consistently used in both everyday conversation and literary works to illustrate vulnerability, whether in structural integrity or the robustness of reasoning.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,946, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.