flimsy

/ˈflɪmzi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈflɪmzi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈflim-zē/ (ame, mw) · /ˈflɪm.zi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈflɪm.zi/ (ame, ipa)

flimsy — adjective

  • flimsypositive
  • flimsiercomparative
  • flimsiestsuperlative

1. made of thin or weak material, so that it breaks, tears, or bends too easily — f

1.形容詞B1
釋義

made of thin or weak material, so that it breaks, tears, or bends too easily — for example, a flimsy folding chair that gives way under a person's weight, or a flimsy cardboard box that rips when lifted.

例句

The folding chair was so flimsy that it broke when Andrew sat on it.

pattern: so + flimsy + that clause (result structure)

Élise wrapped the vase in newspaper because the cardboard box was too flimsy.

collocation: flimsy + cardboard box / container

同義詞
  • fragile

    suggests something easily broken but possibly valuable or delicate; 'flimsy' adds the sense of cheap or poor-quality materials

  • weak

    a more general word; 'flimsy' specifically implies thin or poorly made, not just lacking strength

  • rickety

    describes furniture or structures that are unsteady because of loose joints or age; 'flimsy' focuses on the materials being too thin

反義詞
  • sturdy

    strongly built and able to support weight without bending

  • solid

    made of strong, thick material that does not break or bend easily

文法句型

flimsy + noun

be + flimsy

用法筆記

Frequently describes objects made of cheap or poor-quality materials. Unlike fragile, which can suggest something delicate and worth handling with care, flimsy implies the object is weak because of inexpensive or careless construction.

常見錯誤

❌Be careful with that glass — it's flimsy.
✅Be careful with that glass
💡it's fragile.' — For easily broken but valuable or delicate items, use 'fragile'. 'Flimsy' suggests cheap or weak construction, not fine delicacy.
❌The cake was too flimsy to hold its shape.
✅The cake was too soft to hold its shape.
💡'Flimsy' describes objects that break or tear, not food that is soft.

2. not strong or convincing enough to be believed or accepted — used about reasons,

2.形容詞B2
釋義

not strong or convincing enough to be believed or accepted — used about reasons, excuses, arguments, or plans that lack solid support or clear logic.

例句

Linh gave a flimsy excuse about missing the bus, but nobody believed her.

collocation: flimsy excuse

The lawyer argued that the evidence against her client was too flimsy to prove anything.

pattern: too flimsy to + infinitive

同義詞
  • weak

    a more general term; 'flimsy' adds a vivid sense of something so thin it can barely hold together

  • unconvincing

    more formal; suggests an argument fails to persuade on rational grounds

  • lame

    informal; similar to 'flimsy' for excuses, but less common for arguments or evidence

反義詞
  • convincing

    so strong and logical that it makes you believe something

  • solid

    used figuratively to mean well-supported and reliable

文法句型

flimsy + noun (excuse / argument / evidence)

be + flimsy

用法筆記

Commonly modifies nouns such as excuse, argument, evidence, explanation, reason, claim, and plan. Less formal than unconvincing or insubstantial; more vivid than weak for spoken English.

常見錯誤

❌Her flimsy smile showed she was nervous.
✅Her weak smile showed she was nervous.
💡'Flimsy' does not describe facial expressions; use 'weak' or 'faint' instead.
❌The detective found the criminal's story flimsy.
✅The detective found the criminal's story unconvincing.
💡In formal or written English, 'unconvincing' or 'implausible' is more appropriate than 'flimsy'.

flimsy — noun