unsubstantial

/' ns b'st n l/

Thân thiện

The dream felt unsubstantial, like a wisp of smoke.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. lacking material form or substance; unreal
   • as insubstantial as a dream
   • an insubstantial mirage on the horizon

Từ đồng nghĩa

• insubstantial
• unreal