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
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
He went on to call Cole's best verses insubstantial - "a light pack" - and claimed he was the Prince to Drake's Michael Jackson.
From BBC ● Apr. 8, 2024
The ads that failed were ultimately insubstantial, or otherwise objectionable.
From Slate ● Feb. 12, 2024
Megan is not a mystery to be solved, she is not a figure who wanders into the tracking shot at the beginning of a film, beautiful, ethereal, insubstantial.
From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
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.
