insubstantial

[ in-suhb-stan-shuhl ]

adjective

1. not substantial or real; lacking substance:

   an insubstantial world of dreams.

2. not solid or firm; weak; flimsy.
3. not substantial in amount or size; inconsiderable:

   an insubstantial sum.

insubstantial

/ ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl /

adjective

1. not substantial; flimsy, tenuous, or slight
2. imaginary; unreal

Derived Forms

• ˌinsubˌstantiˈality, noun
• ˌinsubˈstantially, adverb

Other Words From

• insub·stanti·ali·ty noun
• insub·stantial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of insubstantial¹

From the Late Latin word insubstantiālis, dating back to 1600–10. See in- ³, substantial

Example Sentences

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

The UN's cultural agency said that despite "significant growth in production", industries across the content were hindered by issues such as piracy, insubstantial training opportunities and a lack of official film institutions.

From BBC

It’s a majority white district, with not insubstantial Asian and Latino populations.

From Los Angeles Times

But she added that “there is reason to doubt that the floodgates will open” to allow “insubstantial lawsuits.”

From New York Times

He went on to call Cole's best verses insubstantial - "a light pack" - and claimed he was the Prince to Drake's Michael Jackson.

From BBC

Related Words

• fanciful
• flimsy
• illusory
• puny
• tenuous
• unreal