flighty

[flahy-tee]

adjective

flightier, flightiest 

1. given to flights flight of fancy; capricious; frivolous.

   Synonyms: irresponsible, undependable, mercurial

2. slightly delirious; light-headed; mildly crazy.

3. irresponsible.

   He said I was too flighty to be a good supervisor.

4. Archaic.,  swift or fleet.

flighty

/ ˈflaɪtɪ /

adjective

1. frivolous and irresponsible; capricious; volatile

2. mentally erratic, unstable, or wandering

3. flirtatious; coquettish

Other Word Forms

• flightily adverb
• flightiness noun
• unflighty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flighty¹

First recorded in 1545–55; flight ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

But it also turns him into a lonely, rigidly neoclassicist oddball who scorns his professors, prefers books to his flighty peers and still can’t seem to take care of himself.

From Los Angeles Times

When she returned for Season 3, she was slightly more magnanimous and less flighty, trying her best to achieve harmony with the rest of the cast.

From Salon

"Today’s young women know that neurotic isn’t cute. Cute isn’t cute. Neither is flustered, madcap, zany, flighty, flaky, harried or hapless - all adjectives that apply to Bridget."

From BBC

Wrens "are very flighty," he says with a laugh.

From BBC

I’m strolling through the neighborhood, trying to get eyes on a flighty hummingbird, when I reach the corner.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• capricious 
• giddy 
• unstable