Definition of flimsiness

The word "flimsiness" has its roots in the late 15th century. It originated from the Old English words "flim" and "ness," which combined to mean "thinness" or "fragility." Initially, the term referred to physical frailty or delicacy, such as a flimsy leaf or a flimsy thread. Over time, the meaning of "flimsiness" expanded to encompass intangible concepts like weakness, instability, or vulnerability. By the 16th century, the word was used to describe moral or emotional frailty, such as a person's flimsiness of character. Today, "flimsiness" is often used to convey a sense of lack of substance, durability, or strength, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual. Despite its evolution in meaning, the word's core concept of fragility remains at its heart.