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
Examples of insubstantial in a Sentence
Their contribution to the fund was insubstantial.
as insubstantial as a ghost
Recent Examples on the Web
But too few of those ideas yield satisfying conclusions, resulting in a drama that becomes treacly and insubstantial, reaching for a profundity that remains elusive.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
The wall was as insubstantial as a set on a film studio’s back lot.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Even with her strong work, the film around her always feels, at best, insubstantial, and, at worst, incomplete.
—Chase Hutchinson, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
Scarlet’s good intentions to end wars by way of sheer determination to do what’s right might prove insubstantial in practice.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insubstantial
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David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
The wall was as insubstantial as a set on a film studio’s back lot.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Even with her strong work, the film around her always feels, at best, insubstantial, and, at worst, incomplete.
—Chase Hutchinson, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
Scarlet’s good intentions to end wars by way of sheer determination to do what’s right might prove insubstantial in practice.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insubstantial
Cite this Entry
“Insubstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insubstantial. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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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