Thin-walled

Describing an object, structure, or container that has walls of a relatively small thickness compared to its other dimensions, making it susceptible to damage, deformation, or collapse. The thinness often indicates a focus on lightness, material efficiency, and reduced cost, though this comes at the expense of robustness. This characteristic can be found in a diverse range of applications from containers to building components, and even biological structures. Often implying a fragility that requires careful handling and protection.

Thin-walled meaning with examples

• The fragile vase had a thin-walled structure, and its lightness made it easy to carry. However, this design meant that it broke the first time I bumped it on the table's edge. I learned to place it in a more secure location in my house.
• The lightweight, thin-walled plastic packaging protected the delicate product during shipping. This was vital for cost-effectiveness and for keeping down the overall cost of the product. Unfortunately, it could not endure much stress from careless handling.
• The airplane's thin-walled fuselage design prioritizes weight reduction for fuel efficiency, and also a cheaper build for commercial purposes. This design offers an optimal strength-to-weight ratio to reduce the drag on the aircraft, resulting in a faster and more fuel-efficient flight.
• The thin-walled paper cup was inadequate for hot beverages, and as a result, I quickly burnt my fingers! Its lack of insulation compromised its purpose and led to a less-than-ideal drinking experience in the coffee shop.
• The biologist observed that the plant's cells possessed thin-walled structures, which allowed for efficient transport of nutrients but also made them vulnerable to environmental stresses. Understanding such vulnerability is important in a lab setting.