noun
Uncommon
lightweight
LYT-wayt
Lightweight (noun) means a boxing (or similar combat sport) weight class between welterweight and featherweight, or a competitor in it. Example: “He won the world title in the lightweight division.”
noun
1
A boxing (or similar combat sport) weight class between welterweight and featherweight, or a competitor in it.
"He won the world title in the lightweight division."
"The young lightweight trained every morning before his first big bout."
"She is the reigning lightweight champion of her gym's tournament."
2
Someone or something of little importance, ability, or influence.
"The critics dismissed him as a political lightweight."
"Compared with the senior directors, the new recruit was a lightweight."
"Nobody took the lightweight candidate seriously during the debate."
3
Informal: a person who gets drunk very easily, or who has little stamina.
"Two beers in and he was already stumbling — total lightweight."
"Don't invite Tom for a late night out, because he's a lightweight and falls asleep by ten."
"She admitted she was a lightweight and switched to orange juice after one glass."
adj
1
Weighing less than average, or simple and low-impact rather than heavy-duty.
"The app is a lightweight alternative to the bulky desktop version."
"She packed a lightweight jacket for the trip."
"I bought a lightweight tent so my rucksack would be easier to carry."
2
Lacking seriousness, depth, or substance.
"The interview was fun but pretty lightweight — no hard questions at all."
"The magazine article was a bit lightweight and told me nothing new."
"Critics called the film lightweight entertainment with no real message."
How to use lightweight
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) with little weight, seriousness, or staying power — used for boxing classes, low-key software, or a person who can't hold their drink.
Common mistake
Context decides the meaning: a "lightweight laptop" is a compliment, but calling a person "a lightweight" (no drink or stamina) is a gentle jab.
Common pairings
lightweight champion
lightweight design
a bit of a lightweight
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Word forms
- Plural
- lightweights
- Third person singular
- lightweights
- Past tense
- lightweighted
- Comparative
- more lightweight, lighterweight
- Superlative
- most lightweight, lightestweight
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He won the world title in the _____ division.
Etymology
From light (not heavy) plus weight.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for lightweight
See all rhymes for lightweight →Frequently asked questions
What does “lightweight” mean?
The word “lightweight” means a boxing (or similar combat sport) weight class between welterweight and featherweight, or a competitor in it. In plain terms, something (or someone) with little weight, seriousness, or staying power — used for boxing classes, low-key software, or a person who can't hold their drink.
How do you pronounce “lightweight”?
“Lightweight” is pronounced LYT-wayt (/ˈlaɪt.weɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “lightweight” in a sentence?
Here is “lightweight” used in a sentence: “He won the world title in the lightweight division.”
What part of speech is “lightweight”?
Depending on how it is used, “lightweight” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “lightweight” a common word?
“Lightweight” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lightweight” have?
“Lightweight” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a boxing (or similar combat sport) weight class between welterweight and featherweight, or a competitor in it.
What is the difference between "lightweight" and "welterweight" in boxing?
"Lightweight" is a specific boxing weight class that sits between welterweight and featherweight, meaning lightweight boxers weigh less than welterweights but more than featherweights. Each class defines a maximum weight limit for fair competition.
What does it mean to call someone a "lightweight" informally?
Informally, calling someone a "lightweight" can mean they get drunk very easily or have little stamina for a task. It can also mean someone is of little importance or influence in a given field.
What is the difference between "lightweight" and "heavy-duty" as adjectives?
"Lightweight" describes something that weighs less than average or is simple and low-impact, while "heavy-duty" describes something built to withstand hard, demanding use. The two are near-opposites when applied to equipment or materials.
Is "lightweight" always a criticism when describing a person?
Not necessarily — as an adjective it can neutrally describe something simple or low-impact, but as a noun applied to a person it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting they lack seriousness, ability, or influence.
