unsubstantial

[ uhn-suhb-stan-shuhl ]

adjective

1. not substantial; having no foundation in fact; fanciful; insubstantial:

   an unsubstantial argument; unsubstantial hopes.

2. without material substance:

   an unsubstantial ghost.

3. lacking material substance; materially paltry:

   an unsubstantial dinner of bread and cheese.

4. lacking strength or solidity; flimsy:

   an unsubstantial wall of cardboard.

unsubstantial

/ ˌʌnsəbˈstænʃəl /

adjective

1. lacking weight, strength, or firmness
2. (esp of an argument) of doubtful validity
3. of no material existence or substance; unreal

Derived Forms

• ˌunsubˈstantially, adverb
• ˌunsubˌstantiˈality, noun

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsubstantial¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; un- ¹, substantial

Example Sentences

Human rights groups have long complained of the dire conditions Makala inmates face, including overcrowding, unsubstantial food and poor access to clean water.

From BBC

Salads don’t have to feel flimsy or unsubstantial.

From Washington Times

“Those conversations were unsubstantial in their academic content and clarity.”

From Washington Post

Still, Republicans plowed ahead with unsubstantial allegations of collusion between government officials and the company’s old regime.

From Washington Post

A skimpy stained chair rail can look unsubstantial and dated.

From Washington Post