insubstantial
Americanadjective
-
not substantial or real; lacking substance.
an insubstantial world of dreams.
-
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.
But some not insubstantial number of these politicians’ listeners take their assertions both seriously and literally.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 28, 2026
Bold yet insubstantial, “Love Hurts” insecurely asks the score to do too much work, pounding away at a funky spy track before unconvincingly pivoting to something sincere.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 6, 2025
The UN's cultural agency said that despite "significant growth in production", the business of film-making across the continent was hindered by issues such as piracy, insubstantial training opportunities and a lack of official film institutions.
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2024
The ads that failed were ultimately insubstantial, or otherwise objectionable.
From Slate ● Feb. 12, 2024
“That is not going to happen again,” Hector responds, each word sharp and heavy despite his insubstantial form.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
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.
