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 By emphasizing the details of her characters’ work, Waldman endows what might seem insubstantial in other hands with depth and shadow. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2024 Here are 10 squads seemingly relegated to the sidelines during this year’s silly season, their impactful outlooks ranked from insubstantial to those seemingly staring at self-destructive maneuvers going into the 2024 campaign (note: salary cap projections courtesy Over The Cap): 10. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 Given their size, the controllers are surprisingly light, to the point of feeling a bit insubstantial in your hand. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 16 Feb. 2023 How could something so insubstantial have any structural benefit? Helen Czerski, WSJ, 30 Nov. 2023 Perhaps the Northern Virginia artist simply likes the contrast between solid metal and insubstantial air, or enjoys the way a skinny vertical scaffold punctuates the immense horizontal sweep of clouds, mist and light. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2023 Solid and permanent meets insubstantial and illusory — and voilà! Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2023 Unlike down's other stand-in, foam (which tends to hold its shape well, but can feel light and insubstantial, says Cutler), down alternatives are a hypoallergenic, synthetic option that mimics the durability, softness, and look of down. Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 29 Aug. 2023 Disappointingly, the metal switches feel insubstantial when operated, as does the rotary R/N/D direction selector, but your fingers need to explore the lower reaches of the dashboard and seat bases to find any cheap-feeling plastics. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 24 Aug. 2023

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 19 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on insubstantial

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