insubstantial
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in·sub·stan·tial

adjective \ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl\

Definition of INSUBSTANTIAL

: not substantial: as
a : lacking substance or material nature
b : lacking firmness or solidity : flimsy
in·sub·stan·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌstan(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē\ noun

Examples of INSUBSTANTIAL

  1. Their contribution to the fund was insubstantial.
  2. as insubstantial as a ghost

Origin of INSUBSTANTIAL

probably from French insubstantiel, from Late Latin insubstantialis, from Latin in- + Late Latin substantialis substantial
First Known Use: 1607

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