superficial

adjective

su·​per·​fi·​cial ˌsü-pər-ˈfi-shəl 

1

a(1)

: of, relating to, or located near a surface

(2)

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

superficial wounds

b

British, of a unit of measure : square

superficial foot

2

a

: concerned only with the obvious or apparent : shallow

b

: seen on the surface : external

c

: presenting only an appearance without substance or significance

superficially

ˌsü-pər-ˈfi-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• 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

Denim Halo utilizes Dirsol RD, a new viscosity-modifying and patented pretreatment that enables superficial dyeing. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025

Moyn’s review is particularly superficial in two respects. —David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

These behaviors weren’t just superficial. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

However, the shooting was unsuccessful and Alex suffered only superficial wounds. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025

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