insubstantial
adjective
in·sub·stan·tial
ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl 
: not substantial: such as
a
: lacking substance or material nature
b
: lacking firmness or solidity : flimsy
Synonyms
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 
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.
Dictionary Entries Near insubstantial
Cite this Entry
“Insubstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insubstantial. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insubstantial
adjective
in·sub·stan·tial
ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan-chəl
: not substantial: as
a
: not real : imaginary
insubstantial differences
b
: not firm or solid
a flimsy insubstantial shelf
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