insubstantial

Synonyms for insubstantial

adj weak, imaginary

adjective. deteriorated, debilitated, especially as a result of age

adjective. delicate, heavenly

adjective. not strong; ineffective

adjective. finespun, fragile

c.1600, from Medieval Latin insubstantialis, from in- "not" (see in- (1)) + substantialis (see substantial). Related: Insubstantially.

There were things, vague and insubstantial, which he could not understand.

From it rose the towers and high-peaked roofs of the city, insubstantial as a dream.

So feeble and insubstantial did he feel himself that he repeated the word aloud.

The beyond is vague and insubstantial, but it is instinct with life and purpose.

Shuddering, insubstantial, but luminously apparent, I stood there before them.

She married the Marquis of Vaccarone, a babbling Neapolitan, insubstantial and light.

Beyond was the renowned staircase, which, rising with insubstantial grace, lost itself in silvery altitude like the way to heaven.

They would fade like an insubstantial pageant—or the baseless fabric of a dream.

They rise all around in insubstantial drifts, never seeming to alight, yet stinging in clusters.

It seemed to him that things would always henceforth be insubstantial, and events utterly unimportant.