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
Where Aytaç was large but poised, Abdi was insubstantial, scrawny, and unsteady on his feet.
—
David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Republican lawmakers and state attorneys general have challenged the basis of those recommendations, arguing that the evidence used to support them is insubstantial.
—Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 1 Aug. 2025
Vague green claims won’t cut it anymore, as evidenced by a 2020 study from the European Commission, which found over half of environmental claims were insubstantial, misleading or unfounded.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
These insubstantial claims did not improve much after the European powers departed.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for insubstantial
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David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Republican lawmakers and state attorneys general have challenged the basis of those recommendations, arguing that the evidence used to support them is insubstantial.
—Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 1 Aug. 2025
Vague green claims won’t cut it anymore, as evidenced by a 2020 study from the European Commission, which found over half of environmental claims were insubstantial, misleading or unfounded.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
These insubstantial claims did not improve much after the European powers departed.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for insubstantial
Cite this Entry
“Insubstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insubstantial. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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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