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
- insubstantiality noun
- insubstantially adverb
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Graveyard Book
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Tempest
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
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
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
As I walk along I feel as weightless and insubstantial as a slip of paper, lifted by the wind and gliding down the road.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
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.
