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thin

thin

227 5.2
Not strong or convincing, for example an argument
  • adjective
  • /θɪn/
: débil
  • So I do appreciate a thin formula.
  • wear thin
  • spread too thin
  • stretched thin

But the working hard and being spread thin are two different dynamics.

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Examples

  • Still feels a bit thin, so.

  • But the joke's wearing thin

  • This is obviously too thin from my preference.

  • When physical education budgets are already stretched thin with other equipment needs, technology may not be well supported.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Reality's pretty thin around here.

  • By the time the latest ideas reach Chicago, they're worn thin and easy to see through.

    Academic text (1990)
  • You're hurting down deep, and the tough guy face you put on is pretty thin.

  • Before we're halfway down, the light is too thin to see the rocks and gullies beneath us.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • You're skating on thin ice, so I wouldn't push my luck.

  • The argument presented in the meeting was too thin to be convincing.

Synonyms

slight
vsthin
513 1.2

Small in amount or degree

implies lack of substance or persuasive force rather than mere smallness
fragile
vsthin
78 3.9

Based on weak support and likely to fail

focuses on lack of convincing power rather than physical delicacy
tenuous
vsthin
33 7.6

Very weak and not likely to be important or true

is a more general everyday term for not convincing or substantial
flimsy
vsthin
19 4.6

Weak and not convincing as an excuse or argument

is used more broadly for many insubstantial things, not only arguments
weak
vsthin
16 1.3

Not strong in taste, thin and watery

applies to lack of substance in arguments, sounds, or gestures rather than liquids
paper-thin
vsthin
8 3.9

Very thin and easily damaged, like a sheet of paper

refers to lacking depth or convincing power, not only physical narrowness
wafer-thin
vsthin
3 3.7

Very flat with almost no height, like a sheet of paper

is used to mean lacking depth or substance rather than physical narrowness
9.9

Very weak and unconvincing, like a poor excuse

is milder, meaning lacking substance without that strong emphasis

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

Having great power or influence over people

193 3.4

That makes someone believe something is true

8 2.7

Having a deep rich sound that fills a space

Idioms

29 6.3

Disappear completely with no trace left

Suddenly with no clear reason, like magic

on thin ice
  • Informal
25 6.2

In danger of getting into trouble for something you did

14 3.3

In all situations, both good and bad, people stay loyal and support each other

thick and thin
  • Informal
14 3.7

To be loyal in good times and bad

To vanish suddenly with no trace

4 6.8

To take a risk that can get you in trouble

1 9.2

A period when someone has many problems

A fact stays true whatever way you look at it

Compounds

thin air
  • Informal
71 5.3

A place where something disappears suddenly and cannot be found

14 6.1

Feel upset easily when people criticize

8 3.9

Very thin and easily damaged, like a sheet of paper

8 4.4

Very small in amount or size, often for close results

4 2.1

A person who has very little body fat and looks underweight

3 3.7

Very flat with almost no height, like a sheet of paper

3 7.4

A symbol showing police protect society from disorder and stand together

1 3.8

Having a thin shell that is easily broken

Very thin and light, like a fine spider web

thin-leaved bilberry
  • Specialized
9.9

A small upright plant like a blueberry that grows in western US mountains and makes sour berries

9.9

An Australian eucalyptus tree with thin leaves and stringy bark

thin-shelled mussel
  • Specialized
7.4

A shellfish with a thin fragile shell that can be easily crushed

How Convincing

compelling
277 5.1
persuasive
100 3.9
thin
227 5.2
flimsy
23 3.8
baseless
29 5.0

Surface Forms

thin positive
thinner comparative
thinnest superlative

Etymology

Thin comes from Old English thynne, meaning 'not thick', and people began to use it for things that lack weight or depth. That's why a 'thin' argument or sound feels weak or not convincing.