Insubstantial is an adjective that refers to something lacking in substance, weight, or solidity. It implies a lack of substantial or tangible qualities, often describing things that are intangible, ethereal, or immaterial in nature. Insubstantial objects usually lack physical presence or are tenuous in form, often appearing delicate or flimsy. This term can also be used to denote something that is weak, faint, or lacking in strength, as well as something that is insignificant, trivial, or unimportant.
In the context of describing objects or materials, insubstantial suggests a lack of durability or sturdiness, indicating that they are easily breakable, fragile, or weak. When it is applied to concepts, ideas, or arguments, insubstantial conveys the notion that they lack concrete evidence, reliability, or validity, thereby making them less convincing or doubtful. In literature, an insubstantial character is one that is not well-developed, lacking depth, complexity, or significance.
Overall, insubstantial commonly describes intangible, fragile, or weak elements, whether they pertain to physical objects, concepts, or character traits. This term highlights the ephemeral and inconsequential nature of something, depicting its lack of substance, weight, or importance in a given context.
