insubstantial

adjective

in·​sub·​stan·​tial ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl 

: not substantial: such as

a

: lacking substance or material nature

b

: lacking firmness or solidity : flimsy

insubstantiality

ˌin(t)-səb-ˌstan(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• cobwebby
• filmy
• flimsy
• frothy
• gauzy
• gossamer
• gossamery
• sleazy
• unsubstantial

Examples of insubstantial in a Sentence

Their contribution to the fund was insubstantial.

as insubstantial as a ghost

Recent Examples on the Web

If those arguments appear insubstantial, the jury verdict and injunction should stand. —Alden Abbott, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024

Not insubstantial, but easily affordable for Tepper, who’s worth roughly $20 billion. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2024

The Mad Max cameo in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is so brief and seemingly insubstantial that it can barely be considered a cameo. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 May 2024

But while the crimes may feel insubstantial, the stakes for American democracy are far weightier. —Tessa Berenson Rogers, TIME, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from French insubstantiel, from Late Latin insubstantialis, from Latin in- + Late Latin substantialis substantial

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insubstantial

adjective

in·​sub·​stan·​tial ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan-chəl 

: not substantial: as

a

: not real : imaginary

insubstantial differences

b

: not firm or solid

a flimsy insubstantial shelf

insubstantiality

-ˌstan-chē-ˈal-ət-ē 

noun