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Definition of insubstantial

insubstantial

/ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl/
in · sub · stan · tial
Adverb:insubstantially
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insubstantial Lexical Profile

insubstantial Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Lacking strength, solidity, or weight; frail, flimsy, or meager.

Example

"The hikers sought shelter inside an insubstantial wooden shack that barely withstood the mountain wind."

2

Lacking physical existence, reality, or material form; imaginary or illusory.

Example

"Morning mist rose from the lake like an insubstantial veil before vanishing in the sunlight."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for insubstantial

• Nearby Words

insubordinate
insubordinately
insubordination
insubstantial
insufferable
insufferably
insufficiency

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Late Latin insubstantialis ('not real or material'), formed from the negative prefix in- and substantialis, from substantia ('being, essence, or material').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Insubstantial. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/insubstantial
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