Slim can describesay what something is like using words a thin body, a small chance or amount, or the act of losing weight. The word is most often used as an adjectivea word that modifies a noun and names a quality or state meaning slenderthin and graceful in shape, often in a pleasing way or not large in size.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /slɪm/
Easy pronunciation: SLIM (approximate spelling).
Stress: One syllable; stress falls on the only syllable.
Adjective meaning thin and graceful in build, not the verb meaning to lose weight.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Slim Meaning
thin and graceful in shape
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: being of delicate or slender build
Example: She has a slim build and long legs.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- slender — A direct match for a thin body or figure.
- slight — Works for a thin build, though it can also suggest smallness or delicacy more generally.
- svelte — Used for a slim, elegant figure, especially in a flattering style.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Slim
Meaning 2
very little in amount or likelihood
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: small in quantity
Example: There is a slim chance that it will rain later.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- slender — Can sometimes mean small in amount or chance, but it is less direct than in the body sense.
Meaning 3
to lose weight
Part of speech: verb
Definition: take off weight
Example: He wants to slim down before summer.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- melt off — Can mean lose weight, but it is more informal and less precise.
- slenderize — A direct synonym in the weight-loss sense.
- slim down — A common and natural phrase meaning to lose weight.
- thin — Can mean lose weight, but it is broader and less specific.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Slim Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- slender
- slight
- svelte
small in quantity
- slender
take off weight
- melt off
- slenderize
- slim down
- thin
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not use slim for the verb sense when the meaning is simply 'make smaller' in general.
- Do not mix up slim meaning 'thin' with slim meaning 'small chance'.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does slim mean?
Slim usually means thin or slender. It can also mean small in amount or chance, and as a verb it can mean to lose weight.
What is a good synonym for slim?
For the body shape meaning, good synonyms are slender and svelte. For the weight-loss verb, slim down is the most natural synonym.
Does slim mean little?
Sometimes. In phrases like 'a slim chance,' it means small or unlikely.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.