Insustancial

Insubstantial describes something lacking substance, reality, or firmness. It signifies a lack of physical matter or concrete existence, often implying a flimsy, weak, or imaginary quality. It can also refer to something lacking importance, value, or weight. Think of ideas, arguments, or promises that hold little merit or are quickly forgotten. An insubstantial argument might rely on flimsy evidence. An insubstantial meal offers little nutrition. The word highlights a deficiency in solidity, strength, or genuine worth. It encompasses both the physical and the abstract, pointing to things that are ephemeral, unreal, or deficient.

Insustancial meaning with examples

• The magician's trick appeared impressive, but upon closer inspection, the illusion was revealed as insubstantial, relying on clever misdirection rather than actual physical manipulation. The audience realized they had been fooled, feeling let down by the trick.
• Her dreams of becoming a famous actress felt insubstantial without a strong work ethic and proper training. Without the right tools, it was only a desire. She had to take action or her dream would not come to be.
• The politician's promises of lower taxes seemed insubstantial when contrasted with the country's massive debt. He lacked a plan, his words carried little weight given the financial circumstances of the nation.
• He built his career on an insubstantial foundation of rumors and gossip, lacking verifiable facts. His credibility eroded quickly when his sources proved unreliable and his stories fell apart.
• The diet, promising rapid weight loss, was based on insubstantial scientific evidence. It did not offer any lasting changes and resulted in short-term results, only a quick fix.