superficial

Lacking real depth

Superficial describes what lies on or near the surface.

A superficial wound affects only the outer skin.

More commonly, superficial means lacking depth or thoroughness: a superficial analysis, a superficial understanding.

A superficial person concerns themselves with appearances rather than substance: She dismissed him as superficial and vain.

The word carries judgment—superficial knowledge isn't enough when depth matters.

shallow

trivial

Lacking significance or weight

skin-deepAffecting only the surface
depthlessWithout measurable extent downward
insubstantialLacking physical or material substance

frivolous · simplistic · one-dimensional · lightweight · facile · glib · hollow · empty · vacuous · flimsy

vain

narcissistic

Obsessed with one's image

self-absorbedExcessively focused inward
conceitedExcessively proud of oneself
shallowWithout much depth

preening · materialistic · self-admiring · vainglorious

cursory

glance

Brief, casual look

skimPass over lightly
scanBrief visual sweep
overviewBroad general summary

brief · passing · hasty · quick · perfunctory · careless · slapdash · once-over · rushed · hurried

appearance

facade

Deceptive outward appearance

veneerDecorative outer layer
glossShine or annotation
pretenseDeceptive outward show

semblance · guise · outward · show · image · exterior · display · presentation · charade · ostentation

surface

skin

Body's outer layer

epidermisOutermost tissue layer
outerFarther from the center
externalLocated on outside

outermost · topical · cutaneous · dermal · epidermal · coating · cortical

Categories

anatomybrain, heart, bones, liver, stomach
quality descriptorsexcellent, good, fair, poor, accurate
SAT vocabularyaesthetic, ambiguous, benevolent, candid, concise
anatomy termsanterior, posterior, dorsal, ventral, medial
shoddinessslipshod, slapdash, hack job, botch job, botch
Spanish-Portuguese wordsbueno, grande, nuevo, alto, largo

Opposites

depth of analysis or examination

superficialthorough

Complete in every detail

in-depth · comprehensive · exhaustive · detailed · profound

emotional or relational depth

superficialdeep

Far from surface

profound · genuine · authentic · meaningful · intimate

authenticity or genuineness

superficialgenuine

Truly what it claims

authentic · real · substantive · true · sincere

Phrases

superficial charmAttractive but insincere magnetism
superficial burnHeat injury affecting only epidermis

Family

superficially, superficiality, superficialities, superficials

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G