Insubstantial

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl/

Definitions of insubstantial

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun, in this case, insubstantial describes something that lacks substance or solidity

Example Sentences

A1 The paper airplane was insubstantial and flew only a short distance.

A2 Her argument was insubstantial and lacked any real evidence to support it.

B1 The company's promises of a pay raise seemed insubstantial and unreliable.

B2 The artist's latest work was criticized for being insubstantial and lacking depth.

C1 The scientific theory presented by the researcher was deemed insubstantial and lacking in empirical data.

C2 The legal team argued that the evidence against their client was insubstantial and should be dismissed.

Examples of insubstantial in a Sentence

formal The evidence presented in court was deemed insubstantial and insufficient to convict the defendant.

informal I don't think we should trust him, his promises seem insubstantial.

slang That excuse is so insubstantial, it's laughable.

figurative Her dreams felt insubstantial, like they were made of air and could easily slip away.

Grammatical Forms of insubstantial

past tense

insubstantiated

plural

insubstantials

comparative

more insubstantial

superlative

most insubstantial

present tense

insubstantial

future tense

will be insubstantial

perfect tense

has been insubstantial

continuous tense

is being insubstantial

singular

insubstantial

positive degree

insubstantial

infinitive

to insubstantiate

gerund

insubstantiating

participle

insubstantiated

Origin and Evolution of insubstantial

First Known Use: 0014 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'insubstantial' originated from the Latin word 'insubstantialis', which is derived from 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'substantia' meaning 'substance'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 14th century, 'insubstantial' has evolved to describe something lacking substance or solidity, often used to convey a sense of fragility or insignificance.