noun

lightweight

LYT-wayt

noun

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."

Someone or something of little importance, ability, or influence.

"The critics dismissed him as a political lightweight."

Informal: a person who gets drunk very easily, or who has little stamina.

"Two beers in and he was already stumbling — total lightweight."

adj

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."

Lacking seriousness, depth, or substance.

"The interview was fun but pretty lightweight — no hard questions at all."

How to Use Lightweight

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word Forms

more lightweight comparative, lighterweight comparative, lightweighted past tense, lightweights plural, lightweights singular, most lightweight superlative, lightestweight superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He won the world title in the _____ division.

Etymology

From light (not heavy) plus weight.

Rhymes for lightweight

eight weight height freight sleight overweight heavyweight paperweight middleweight

See all rhymes for lightweight →