insubstantial

adjective

in·​sub·​stan·​tial ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl How to pronounce insubstantial (audio)
: not substantial: such as
a
: lacking substance or material nature
b
: lacking firmness or solidity : flimsy

Examples of insubstantial in a Sentence

Their contribution to the fund was insubstantial. as insubstantial as a ghost
Recent Examples on the Web Not insubstantial, but easily affordable for Tepper, who’s worth roughly $20 billion. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2024 The Mad Max cameo in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is so brief and seemingly insubstantial that it can barely be considered a cameo. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 May 2024 But while the crimes may feel insubstantial, the stakes for American democracy are far weightier. Tessa Berenson Rogers, TIME, 30 May 2024 And Dalla Porta can’t build a flesh-and-blood character out of a woman who seems as billowy and insubstantial as the movie that bears her name. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for insubstantial 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insubstantial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably from French insubstantiel, from Late Latin insubstantialis, from Latin in- + Late Latin substantialis substantial

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insubstantial was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near insubstantial

Cite this Entry

“Insubstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insubstantial. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

insubstantial

adjective
in·​sub·​stan·​tial ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan-chəl How to pronounce insubstantial (audio)
: not substantial: as
a
: not real : imaginary
insubstantial differences
b
: not firm or solid
a flimsy insubstantial shelf
insubstantiality noun

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