insubstantial
Americanadjective
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not substantial or real; lacking substance.
an insubstantial world of dreams.
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not solid or firm; weak; flimsy.
-
not substantial in amount or size; inconsiderable.
an insubstantial sum.
adjective
-
not substantial; flimsy, tenuous, or slight
-
imaginary; unreal
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of insubstantial
From the Late Latin word insubstantiālis, dating back to 1600–10. See in- 3, substantial
Explanation
Insubstantial is an adjective that means lacking form, substance or nutritional value. If you're really hungry, a bowl of clear broth will seem pretty insubstantial. If there is insubstantial evidence to convict an accused criminal, he will be set free. In the office, insubstantial expenses should be paid out of the petty cash draw. A thin blouse is too insubstantial to be worn in this cold weather. And a candy bar makes an insubstantial lunch — a sandwich and fruit would be more nutritious.
Vocabulary lists containing insubstantial
The Grapes of Wrath
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The Tempest
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The Graveyard Book
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Scarlet’s good intentions to end wars by way of sheer determination to do what’s right might prove insubstantial in practice.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 6, 2026
Every dish you imagine feels either too heavy or too insubstantial.
From Salon ● Jan. 29, 2026
Many who do, such as Dan Aykroyd, say very nice things that are insubstantial; Ryan Reynolds is one of the few who comment critically on Mr. Chase’s comedic style, which is highly enlightening.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 30, 2025
The UN's cultural agency said that despite "significant growth in production", industries across the content were hindered by issues such as piracy, insubstantial training opportunities and a lack of official film institutions.
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2024
But the spectral seemed suddenly insubstantial, and no sooner did this thought occur than she melted away.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
