Definition

Noun: 1. The quality of being insubstantial; lacking substance, solidity, or reality. It refers to something that is not physically strong, dense, or real, or to an idea or argument that is weak and not based on solid facts. 2. Lack of importance, significance, or value. It can describe something trivial or of little consequence.

Examples

• The insubstantiality of the ghost made it seem to float through the walls.
• The insubstantiality of his evidence meant the case was quickly dismissed.
• She was struck by the insubstantiality of the model's construction; it was made of paper and string.
• The critic pointed out the philosophical insubstantiality of the novel's central theme.

Advanced Usage

• "to highlight the insubstantiality of": to emphasize how weak or unreal something is.
  • The experiment was designed to highlight the insubstantiality of the old theory.
• "a feeling of insubstantiality": a sensation of being unreal, weak, or without solid form.
  • After the fever, he was left with a strange feeling of insubstantiality.

Variants and Related Words

• Insubstantial (adj): lacking substance, firmness, or solidity; weak or flimsy.
  • The insubstantial breakfast left him hungry by mid-morning.
• Unsubstantial (adj): a less common variant with a very similar meaning to "insubstantial."
• Substantiality (n): The opposite quality; the state of being substantial, solid, or real.

Synonyms

• Immateriality: The quality of not being composed of matter.
• Incorporeality: Lacking a physical body or form.
• Flimsiness: The quality of being easily damaged or broken; weakness.
• Tenuousness: The quality of being very weak or slight; lacking a sound basis.
• Triviality: Lack of seriousness or importance; insignificance.

Antonyms

• Substantiality
• Solidity
• Corporeality
• Robustness
• Significance

Noun

1. lacking substance or reality
2. lack of solid substance and strength