flimsy

Lacking structural integrity

Flimsy describes something weak, thin, or insubstantial—easily torn, broken, or seen through.

A flimsy excuse won't hold up to scrutiny.

Flimsy curtains let light through.

Flimsy construction suggests poor quality that won't last.

The word carries connotations of cheapness or inadequacy: The evidence against him was flimsy at best.

shoddy

cheap

Low in price

tackyVulgar or slightly sticky
trashyCheap and tasteless
inferiorOf lower rank

substandard · jerry-built · gimcrack · cheapjack · low-grade · second-rate · third-rate · junky · rinky-dink · tinpot

unconvincing

weak

Lacking power or force

implausibleUnlikely to be true
tenuousLacking solid foundation
dubiousOf uncertain reliability

shaky · unpersuasive · questionable · unsound · specious · unsupported · unsubstantiated · baseless · unfounded · thin

fragile

brittle

Liable to shatter

delicateEasily broken or harmed
breakableCapable of shattering
frailWeak and breakable

vulnerable · frangible · crackable · shatterable · crumbly · friable · splintery · eggshell · glassy · rickety

fabric

gauze

Open-weave medical fabric

chiffonDelicate transparent textile
tulleFine net fabric
organzaSheer, crisp dress fabric

voile · muslin · gossamer · sheer · netting · lace · georgette · batiste · crepe · mesh

insubstantial

slight

Minor or thin

negligibleToo small to consider
trivialLacking significance or weight
superficialLacking depth or substance

shallow · meager · scanty · trifling · paltry · wispy · thin · sketchy · sparse · bare

Categories

schlockschlock, schlocky, trash, junk, dreck
paper qualitiessmooth, rough, glossy, matte, textured
strength wordsstrong, powerful, mighty, potent, robust
texturessmoothness, smooth, soft, rough, roughness
weakweak, feeble, frail, fragile, faint
delicatedelicate, fragile, dainty, frail, tender

Opposites

physical strength and durability

flimsysturdy

Solidly built, durable

solid · robust · durable · thick · strong

argumentative or evidential strength

flimsyconvincing

Able to persuade

sound · compelling · solid · cogent · persuasive

substantiality and significance

flimsysubstantial

Of notable size or importance

significant · serious · weighty · important · meaningful

Family

flimsiness, flimsily, flimsier, flimsiest

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G