superficial

adjective

su·​per·​fi·​cial ˌsü-pər-ˈfi-shəl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or located near a surface

superficial veins

brushing away superficial dirt

b

: affecting only the outer part or surface : not deep or serious

superficial wounds

The storm only caused superficial damage to the building.

The worker suffered minor, superficial injuries to her arm and back.

—Aliza Chasan

2

a

: concerned only with the obvious or apparent : not thorough or complete : shallow

a superficial analysis

They had a superficial understanding of the topic.

b

: seen only in the outward appearance or manner : external

a superficial charm

a superficial similarity

That gives the film a superficial resemblance to the quest at the heart of Saving Private Ryan.

—David Faris

c

: presenting only an appearance without substance or significance

I'm not interested in superficial relationships.

The world likes to accuse L.A. of being a tacky, superficial town that lacks a sense of tradition.

—Mark Swed

superficially

ˌsü-pər-ˈfi-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of superficial

• surface

Choose the Right Synonym for superficial

superficial, shallow, cursory mean lacking in depth or solidity.

superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features.

a superficial analysis of the problem

shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character.

a light, shallow, and frivolous review

cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details.

gave the letter only a cursory reading

Examples of superficial in a Sentence

Wonderbra model Eva Herzigova sued a Canadian underwear company that refused to pay her $30,000 fee because she showed up for the photo shoot with a short haircut that company didn't like. You know, it's shameful in this day and age how superficial and sexist some of these ad execs are. —Lewis Grossberger, Mediaweek, 14 Apr. 2003

Angelina Jolie goes blond and bubbly and hell hasn't even started freezing over. The brooding brunette donned a Monroe-esque platinum coif for her most recent film, "Life or Something Like It." She plays a superficial reporter who learns what's most important in life—which is, apparently, getting it on with Edward Burns. —Katerine Stroup et al., Newsweek, 23 July 2001

All this discussion of money may seem a vulgar recital of greed. But that is really just a superficial, simplistic criticism and usually a dishonest one. —Garth Clark, Ceramics Monthly, October 2001

a superficial analysis of the results

They had a superficial knowledge of the topic.

These superficial changes don't address the underlying problem.

The storm only caused superficial damage to the building.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ferrell, Henchy and David Gordon Green all previously worked on Eastbound & Down, a sports comeback series with enough superficial similarities to underline how toothless The Hawk and especially its characters are. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

Screenings are inconsistent or superficial, resulting in a lack of follow-up for people with problematic drinking. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 14 July 2026

In the process, longstanding federal contracting controls were set aside, no-bid contracts were awarded, and superficial cosmetic work was performed that staff warned would have to be redone. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery states that the procedure involves operating on the deeper layers of the face, underneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), including muscles and fat pads. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin superficialis, from Latin superficies — see superficies

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing superficial

• superficial fascia
• superficial temporal artery

Rhymes for superficial

• artificial
• beneficial
• cicatricial
• interstitial
• nonjudicial
• nonofficial
• prejudicial
• sacrificial
• unofficial
• extrajudicial
• semiofficial
• initial

Kids Definition

superficial

adjective

su·​per·​fi·​cial ˌsü-pər-ˈfish-əl 

1

a

: of or relating to a surface

b

: lying on, not going below, or affecting only the surface

superficial wounds

2

: not thorough : shallow

a superficial inspection

superficiality

-ˌfish-ē-ˈal-ət-ē

noun

superficially

-ˈfish-(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

superficial

adjective

su·​per·​fi·​cial ˌsü-pər-ˈfish-əl 

1

: of, relating to, or located near the surface

superficial blood vessels

2

: lying on, not penetrating below, or affecting only the surface

superficial wounds

superficially

-ē 

adverb