Insubstantial — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl/ in·sub·stan·tial

Meaning & Definition of Insubstantial

Insubstantial (adjective)

  1. not substantial
  2. lacking substance or material nature
  3. lacking firmness or solidity, flimsy

Insubstantial (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance

    "an insubstantial carton that could not possibly stand up during long-distance shipping"

    similar: cobwebby, filmy, flimsy, frothy, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, sleazy, unsubstantial
    related: dainty, delicate, fine, feeble, fragile, frail, diaphanous, sheer, transparent
    opposite: sturdy, substantial
    near: durable, knockabout, lasting, tough, coarse, heavy, rough, rude

  2. not composed of matter

    "energy is insubstantial"

    similar: bodiless, ethereal, formless, immaterial, incorporeal, nonmaterial, nonphysical, spiritual, unbodied, unsubstantial
    related: metaphysical, psychic, supernatural, impalpable, insensible, intangible, invisible, airy, diaphanous, gaseous, gossamery, tenuous, thin, vaporous, wispish
    opposite: bodily, corporeal, material, physical, substantial
    near: animal, carnal, fleshly, detectable, discernible, noticeable, observable, palpable, sensible, tangible, visible, bulky, heavy, massive, solid

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Insubstantial

The most common words with a similar meaning to Insubstantial:

cobwebby, filmy, flimsy, frothy, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, sleazy, unsubstantial, bodiless, ethereal, formless, immaterial, incorporeal, nonmaterial, nonphysical, spiritual, unbodied

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Insubstantial

Words with the opposite meaning of Insubstantial:

sturdy, substantial, bodily, corporeal, material, physical

Related Words for Insubstantial

dainty, delicate, fine, feeble, fragile, frail, diaphanous, sheer, transparent, metaphysical, psychic, supernatural, impalpable, insensible, intangible, invisible, airy, gaseous, tenuous, thin, vaporous, wispish

Near Antonyms of Insubstantial

durable, knockabout, lasting, tough, coarse, heavy, rough, rude, animal, carnal, fleshly, detectable, discernible, noticeable, observable, palpable, sensible, tangible, visible, bulky, massive, solid

Word Forms of Insubstantial

Derived words: insubstantiality (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Insubstantial

probably from French insubstantiel, from Late Latin insubstantialis, from Latin in- + Late Latin substantialis substantial

First known use: 1607

Frequently Asked Questions about Insubstantial

What does "Insubstantial" mean?

"Insubstantial" means not substantial. As an adjective, it is defined as: not substantial. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Insubstantial"?

Other words for "Insubstantial" include cobwebby, filmy, flimsy, frothy, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery and sleazy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Insubstantial" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Insubstantial"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Insubstantial". Common alternatives include cobwebby, filmy, flimsy, frothy, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, sleazy, unsubstantial and bodiless.

What is the opposite of "Insubstantial"?

Antonyms of "Insubstantial" include sturdy, substantial, bodily, corporeal, material and physical. Near antonyms include durable, knockabout, lasting and tough.

How do you use "Insubstantial" in a sentence?

Examples of "Insubstantial" in a sentence: "an insubstantial carton that could not possibly stand up during long-distance shipping"; "energy is insubstantial".

Is "Insubstantial" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Insubstantial" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Insubstantial"?

"Insubstantial" is pronounced /ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl/ and divided into syllables as in·sub·stan·tial.

What is the origin of the word "Insubstantial"?

"Insubstantial" comes from probably from French insubstantiel, from Late Latin insubstantialis, from Latin in- + Late Latin substantialis substantial. First known use: 1607.