WordGarden.ioslim
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /slˈɪm/
US
- /ˈslɪm/
Meanings
Adjective
thin and attractively narrow in build or shape
small or low in amount, likelihood, or margin
Verb
to become or make oneself slimmer, especially by dieting
Beyond the definition
Think of a willow tree or a tall glass on a shelf. "Slim" often describes something or someone that is thin in a neat, attractive way. A person may have a slim figure, and a phone or wallet may be slim because it does not take up much space.
But the word is not only about shape. It can also describe a small amount or a low chance. A slim chance of rain means rain is not very likely. A slim profit margin means there is only a little profit. In everyday English, the word often carries the idea of being light, narrow, or not bulky.
"Slim" is a versatile word with several related meanings, all revolving around the idea of reduced size, width, or quantity. Most commonly, it describes something that is thin, especially in relation to its height or length. Think of a "slim figure," a "slim build," or a "slim waist." It suggests an elegant and graceful thinness, rather than simply being underweight or "scrawny."
However, "slim" isn't limited to physical descriptions. It can also refer to a small amount or likelihood. A "slim chance" means there's only a slight possibility of something happening. A "slim budget" indicates limited financial resources. You might say a company is operating on a "slim margin," meaning their profits are small.
The word can also describe something that has very little extra bulk. A device with a slim profile is thin and easy to carry. This idea of "very little" also appears in phrases like a "slim lead" in a race or an election. The lead exists, but only by a small amount.
You'll also encounter "slim" in technical and fashion contexts. A "slim profile" describes a device that is particularly thin and compact, like a modern laptop or smartphone. In clothing, a "slim fit" or "slim cut" refers to garments designed to fit closely to the shape of the body. So whether you're describing someone's physique, the odds of success, or the design of an electronic device, "slim" conveys the idea of reduced size, streamlined efficiency, and often, a touch of elegance.
Examples
- 1
Physical appearance
She's tall and slim, with short black hair.
- 2
Device design
The phone is so slim that it fits easily in my pocket.
- 3
Possibility
We still have a slim chance of getting tickets.
- Patternslim chance of + outcome
a small possibility of it
- 4
Voting result
The bill passed by a slim margin.
- Phraseby a slim margin
by only a small difference
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Politics
With a slim majority, the government had to be careful with every vote.
- 6
Business restructuring
The company has slimmed down its operations to save money.
- Phraseslim down
reduce something to make it smaller or simpler
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- slimverbadjective
Forms
- slimming-ing formverbadjective
- slimmercomparativeadjectiveverb
- slimmedpast tenseverbadjective
- slimsverbadjective
- slimmestsuperlativeadjectiveverb