Flimsily

Flimsily describes something done or constructed in a way that lacks strength, durability, or substance; it implies a delicate, unsubstantial, and often easily damaged nature. This can apply to physical objects, like a poorly built house or a fragile piece of furniture, but also to abstract concepts like arguments, excuses, or relationships. When something is done flimsily, it's typically characterized by a lack of care, detail, and solid foundation, making it prone to collapse, failure, or ineffectiveness. It signifies a superficial approach, where corners were cut, or the effort put in was inadequate, leading to a weak and unreliable outcome. The term often suggests a disregard for quality and long-term viability.

Flimsily meaning with examples

• The temporary bridge was constructed flimsily, using cheap materials and rushed workmanship. It couldn't withstand the heavy rain and quickly collapsed, blocking access to the village. The villagers were disappointed, as this shortcut was meant to make their daily routines much easier. They realized the builders were merely interested in a quick profit over the long-term benefit of the residents. Therefore, the situation was made difficult, especially during the rainstorms.
• Sarah's defense in court was based on flimsily supported claims and contradictory evidence. The opposing lawyer easily dismantled her arguments, pointing out the inconsistencies and lack of credible sources. Her case ultimately failed. Her lawyer had told her the truth but she was in denial about the true circumstances which left her in a terrible predicament because of her refusal to acknowledge the facts. Her refusal to acknowledge the facts, she knew, put her and the others in the house at risk.
• The company's business plan was organized flimsily, lacking detailed market research and realistic financial projections. The investors immediately saw the problem and recognized that it wasn't prepared well enough and didn't invest in their company. It failed to attract funding. The business plan showed the lack of a viable strategy, which could be easily used against them by their competitors, should the competitors discover their strategy and start working against it.
• Their relationship, built on a flimsily constructed foundation of superficial attraction and unmet emotional needs, crumbled quickly. Despite what their friends and family had told them, they had failed to build trust. It proved to be incapable of weathering any conflict or hardship. They both accepted that their relationship had a poor foundation, and the break-up seemed inevitable from the very beginning.