superficial, shallow, cursory mean lacking in depth or solidity. superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features.

Her book on the history of cars in America was extremely superficial. A person who is described as superficial does not want to think seriously about anything, even important matters.

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 …

If you describe something such as an action, feeling, or relationship as superficial, you mean that it includes only the simplest and most obvious aspects of that thing, and not those aspects …

Definition of superficial adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. (often disapproving) not studying or looking at something carefully or completely; seeing only what is …

1. being at, on, or near the surface: a superficial wound. 2. external or outward; apparent rather than real: a superficial resemblance. 3. concerned with or comprehending only what is on the …

There are 21 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word superficial, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

only outwardly apparent rather than genuine or actual: the similarity was merely superficial of little substance or significance; trivial: superficial differences

Dec 27, 2025 · Adjective superficial (comparative more superficial, superlative most superficial) (relational) Existing, occurring, or located on the surface. Synonym: surficial (anatomy, …

SUPERFICIAL meaning: 1 : concerned only with what is obvious or apparent not thorough or complete; 2 : affecting only the outer part or surface of something not deep or serious