superficial
soo-puh-FIH-shuhl
Superficial (adj) means existing only on the surface, not deep or serious. Example: “Luckily, the cut was only superficial.”
adj
1
Existing only on the surface, not deep or serious.
"Luckily, the cut was only superficial."
"The report gave a superficial account of the crisis, missing the real causes."
"The damage to the car was superficial, just a few light scratches."
2
Lacking depth of character or genuine feeling; concerned only with appearances.
"He dismissed the whole relationship as superficial."
"I found their conversation superficial, all gossip and no real interest in each other."
"She worried that her friends were too superficial and only cared about fashion."
How to use superficial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSurface-level only — either physically shallow (like a wound) or lacking real depth (like a person or an analysis).
Common mistake
Calling a wound "superficial" is neutral (medical), but calling a person "superficial" is an insult about shallowness.
Common pairings
superficial wound
superficial analysis
superficial relationship
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Word forms
- Plural
- superficials
- Comparative
- more superficial
- Superlative
- most superficial
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Luckily, the cut was only _____.
Etymology
From Late Latin superficialis, "of or relating to the surface", from superficies, "surface".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for superficial
See all rhymes for superficial →Frequently asked questions
What does “superficial” mean?
The word “superficial” means existing only on the surface, not deep or serious. In plain terms, surface-level only — either physically shallow (like a wound) or lacking real depth (like a person or an analysis).
How do you pronounce “superficial”?
“Superficial” is pronounced soo-puh-FIH-shuhl (/ˌsupɚˈfɪʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “superficial” in a sentence?
Here is “superficial” used in a sentence: “Luckily, the cut was only superficial.”
What part of speech is “superficial”?
“Superficial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “superficial” come from?
The word “superficial” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin superficialis, "of or relating to the surface", from superficies, "surface".
Is “superficial” a common word?
“Superficial” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “superficial” have?
“Superficial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: existing only on the surface, not deep or serious.
What is the difference between "superficial" and "shallow"?
The two are close in meaning, but "superficial" more often describes wounds, damage, or analysis existing only on the surface, while "shallow" more commonly describes a person's character or thinking. A "superficial wound" is minor and surface-level, while a "shallow person" lacks genuine depth of feeling.
Is "superficial" an insult when describing a person?
Yes, when applied to a person, "superficial" is critical, suggesting they are concerned only with appearances and lack genuine depth of character or feeling.
What does "superficial" mean when describing an injury?
A superficial injury exists only on the surface of the skin, such as a minor cut or scrape, without damaging the tissue underneath.
