unsubstantial
/' ns b'st n l/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking material form or substance; unreal: Describes something that is not physically solid, tangible, or concrete; it may be imaginary, weak, or without a firm basis in reality.
- Not strong, solid, or substantial; flimsy or weak: Can describe something physically fragile or an argument, idea, or structure that is not well-supported or convincing.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The ghost in the story was an unsubstantial figure, visible but untouchable.
- His hopes for a quick promotion were based on unsubstantial rumors.
- The model was built with such unsubstantial materials that it collapsed in the wind.
Advanced Usage
- "unsubstantial evidence": Evidence that is weak, not convincing, or lacks a solid factual basis.
- The case was dismissed due to unsubstantial evidence.
- "unsubstantial meal": A meal that is light, not filling, or lacking in nutritional substance.
- After the unsubstantial salad, I was still hungry.
Variants and Related Words
- Insubstantial (adj): This is the more common modern variant, with the same meaning as 'unsubstantial' (lacking substance or reality).
- The difference between the two plans was insubstantial.
- Unsubstantiality (n): The quality or state of being unsubstantial.
- The unsubstantiality of the argument was obvious to everyone.
Synonyms
- Immaterial: Not consisting of matter; without material form or substance.
- Flimsy: Light and insubstantial; easily damaged.
- Ethereal: Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
- Tenuous: Very weak or slight; having little substance or strength.
Antonyms
- Substantial: Of considerable importance, size, or worth; firmly built or made.
- Solid: Firm and stable in shape; not liquid or fluid; strong and reliable.
- Tangible: Perceptible by touch; clear and definite; real.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Built on unsubstantial ground: Based on a weak, unreliable, or false foundation.
- Their entire theory was built on unsubstantial ground and quickly fell apart under scrutiny.
- As unsubstantial as a dream: Used to emphasize the intangible, fleeting, or unreal quality of something.
- The memory was as unsubstantial as a dream, fading quickly upon waking.
Adjective
-
lacking material form or substance; unreal
-
as insubstantial as a dream
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an insubstantial mirage on the horizon
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