superficial

[soo-per-fish-uhl]

adjective

1. being at, on, or near the surface.

   a superficial wound.

2. of or relating to the surface.

   superficial measurement.

3. external or outward.

   a superficial resemblance.

4. concerned with or comprehending only what is on the surface or obvious.

   a superficial observer.

5. shallow; not profound or thorough.

   a superficial writer.

6. apparent rather than real.

7. insubstantial or insignificant.

   superficial improvements.

superficial

/ ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl, ˌsuːpəˌfɪʃɪˈælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, being near, or forming the surface

   superficial bruising

2. displaying a lack of thoroughness or care

   a superficial inspection

3. only outwardly apparent rather than genuine or actual

   the similarity was merely superficial

4. of little substance or significance; trivial

   superficial differences

5. lacking originality or profundity

   the film's plot was quite superficial

6. (of measurements) involving only the surface area

Other Word Forms

• superficiality noun
• superficialness noun
• superficially adverb
• quasi-superficial adjective
• quasi-superficially adverb
• subsuperficial adjective
• subsuperficially adverb
• subsuperficialness noun
• unsuperficial adjective
• unsuperficially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of superficial¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English superfyciall, from Late Latin superficiālis, equivalent to Latin superfici(ēs) superficies + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of superficial¹

C14: from Late Latin superficiālis of the surface, from Latin _superficies

Example Sentences

He said his vision wasn’t affected, reiterating that the injury was superficial.

From Los Angeles Times

The sandwich case was meant to be a show of strength; instead, it is serving as a symbol of the administration’s superficial posturing.

From Salon

These claims about their core principles are superficial and ephemeral.

From Salon

While attractiveness is a superficial aspect of K-pop, it is nevertheless an essential part, and the team behind “KPop Demon Hunters” approached each group’s looks strategically.

From Salon

Pulte’s other accusations, against James and Schiff, have been similarly superficial, publicly accusing individuals of potential criminality before a full, independent investigation can take place.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cursory 
• frivolous 
• one-dimensional 
• perfunctory 
• silly 
• sketchy 
• slight 
• trivial 

When To Use

What does superficial mean?

Superficial describes something as being of or related to the surface, as a scratch on your arm would be a superficial wound.Superficial can describe something that is literally close to a surface, such as a small cut, or figuratively close to the surface. When you and your sibling have the same nose shape and same eye color but don’t otherwise look like each other, you superficially look like each other. The sameness doesn’t go very far.Example: This article is very superficial, barely sharing any details about the event.