paper-thin

[ pey-per-thin ]

adjective

1. extremely thin:

   a paper-thin razor blade.

2. inadequate or unconvincing; flimsy:

   a paper-thin excuse.

Word History and Origins

Origin of paper-thin¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Unless polling that portends a paper-thin margin between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump is completely wrong — a possibility because of dizzying changes in how voters cast ballots as well as a pandemic-prompted overhaul of election laws — Americans should plan on going to bed Tuesday night without knowing who won the White House.

From Los Angeles Times

"Businesses on paper-thin margins are already grappling with big increases in employment costs - we are seeing jobs and hours cut, investment slashed and business viability undermined as well as prices going up," she said.

From BBC

Sometimes the quiet part is even said out loud: A recent trailer for “Deadpool & Wolverine” featured a QR code leading to a video of the Marvel star Ryan Reynolds telling “excited” fans that the movie is “as paper-thin as a sequel to ‘Battlefield Earth.’”

From New York Times

The fake justifications are becoming so paper-thin that it's a real wonder that they even bother pretending to have a reason anymore.

From Salon

And when you get there, you have to expect paper-thin walls along with the Norwegian woodwork, the crackle of the fireplace and the portrait of Deetjen on the wall.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• delicate
• flimsy
• slim
• translucent
• wispy