Insubstantial Meaning in English
word
Definition
Not strong, solid, or important; weak or lacking substance, either physically or in meaning.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for physical things that lack strength or significance, but also for arguments or results that have little value or effect. Common with nouns like 'evidence', 'meal', 'excuse', 'support'. Formal and literary; rarely used in casual conversation.
Example Sentences
The chair was too insubstantial to hold his weight.
basic
Her argument was insubstantial and did not convince anyone.
basic
The soup was so insubstantial that I was still hungry afterwards.
basic
His promises always feel a bit insubstantial, like they’ll fade away tomorrow.
natural
I found the movie entertaining but ultimately pretty insubstantial.
natural
That evidence is too insubstantial to use in court.
natural