unsubstantial

adjective

un·​sub·​stan·​tial ˌən-səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl 

: not substantial : lacking substance, firmness, or strength

unsubstantial shadows

unsubstantiality

ˌən-səb-ˌstan(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē 

noun

unsubstantially

ˌən-səb-ˈstan(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• bodiless
• ethereal
• formless
• immaterial
• incorporeal
• insubstantial
• nonmaterial
• nonphysical
• spiritual
• unbodied

Examples of unsubstantial in a Sentence

as thin and unsubstantial as the wind

an unsubstantial child who was unfit to play sports of any kind

Recent Examples on the Web

Salads Salads don’t have to feel flimsy or unsubstantial. —Katie Workman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2023

From a personal finance perspective, people with extra cash should feel free to put an unsubstantial portion of their wealth into high-risk, high-volatility assets like crypto or meme stocks or even Super Bowl bets (thanks for the two-touchdown performance, Cooper Kupp). —Scott Nover, Quartz, 14 Feb. 2022

Brown dismissed it as cynical and unsubstantial. —Lisa Mascaro, Star Tribune, 6 Mar. 2021

Still, Republicans plowed ahead with unsubstantial allegations of collusion between government officials and the company’s old regime. —Cat Zakrzewski and Cristiano Lima, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unsubstantial

adjective

un·​sub·​stan·​tial ˌən(t)-səb-ˈstan-chəl 

: lacking substance, firmness, or strength