Unsubstantial: meaning, definitions and examples

👻

Add to dictionary

unsubstantial

[ ˌʌnsəbˈstænʃəl ]

^{Context #1}

lack of importance

Not having a solid basis or foundation; lacking in substance or significance.

Synonyms

flimsy, insubstantial, weak

Examples of usage

The evidence presented was unsubstantial and did not support the argument.
His claims were considered unsubstantial by the experts.

^{Context #2}

not real or tangible

Lacking material substance; not real or tangible.

Synonyms

ethereal, immaterial, phantom

Examples of usage

The ghostly figure appeared to be unsubstantial and disappeared into thin air.
Her dreams felt unsubstantial and elusive.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsubstantial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insubstancial

🇮🇳 अस्थायी

🇩🇪 substanzlos

🇮🇩 tidak substansial

🇺🇦 незначний

🇵🇱 bezsubstancjalny

🇯🇵 非実質的な (ひじっしつてきな)

🇫🇷 insubstantiel

🇪🇸 insustancial

🇹🇷 önemsiz

🇰🇷 비본질적인

🇸🇦 غير جوهري

🇨🇿 nepodstatný

🇸🇰 nepodstatný

🇨🇳 非实质性的 (fēi shízhì xìng de)

🇸🇮 nepomemben

🇮🇸 óverulegur

🇰🇿 маңызды емес

🇬🇪 არასასრული

🇦🇿 əhəmiyyətsiz

🇲🇽 insustancial

Word origin

The word 'unsubstantial' originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word 'substantialis', meaning 'having substance'. Over time, the prefix 'un-' was added to create the opposite meaning of 'not having substance'. The term has been used in English literature to describe things that lack importance or material substance.