superficialness
Surface-level quality only
The quality of being superficial—lacking depth, thoroughness, or genuine understanding.
Superficialness describes attention that stays at the surface: The superficialness of his research was obvious to anyone familiar with the topic.
The word is less common than superficiality, which carries the same meaning.
Affecting only the surface
- insubstantialLacking physical or material substance
- cursoryHasty and incomplete
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
- glibSuperficially articulate
facile · frivolous · lightweight · one-dimensional · simplistic · shallow · half-hearted · slipshod
Decorative outer layer
- facadeDeceptive outward appearance
- glossySmooth and shiny
- cosmeticSurface-level appearance enhancer
- polishSmooth by rubbing
showy · glamorous · sleek · stylish · groomed · preened · fashionable · airbrushed
Outer portion
- outsideBeyond the boundary
- outerFarther from the center
- skinBody's outer layer
- coveringLayer that shields or hides
shell · crust · veneer · patina · gloss · sheen · finish · coating
Focus on insignificant matters
- insignificanceLack of consequence or weight
- frivolityUnserious, lighthearted conduct
- inconsequenceLack of meaningful effect
- fluffLight, soft fibers
trifles · minutiae · nonessentials · frippery · negligibility · paltry · picayune · fussiness
skin-deep
Affecting only the surface
- insubstantialLacking physical or material substance
- cursoryHasty and incomplete
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
glib · facile · frivolous · lightweight · one-dimensional · simplistic · shallow · half-hearted · slipshod · hasty
veneer
Decorative outer layer
polish · showy · glamorous · sleek · stylish · groomed · preened · fashionable · airbrushed · contrived
exterior
Outer portion
covering · shell · crust · veneer · patina · gloss · sheen · finish · coating · film
pettiness
Focus on insignificant matters
- insignificanceLack of consequence or weight
- frivolityUnserious, lighthearted conduct
- inconsequenceLack of meaningful effect
fluff · trifles · minutiae · nonessentials · frippery · negligibility · paltry · picayune · fussiness · lightness
superficialnessprofundity
Intellectual or emotional depth
depth · profoundness · thoroughness · deepness · penetration
superficialnesssubstantiveness
Meaningfulness, real weight
meaningfulness · weightiness · substance · genuineness · authenticity
surface, superficial, superficially, superficiality, superficialities, superficials