adj

superficial

soo-puh-FIH-shuhl

adj

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."

Lacking depth of character or genuine feeling; concerned only with appearances.

"He dismissed the whole relationship as superficial."

How to Use Superficial

Learner’s notes

In 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

more superficial comparative, superficials plural, most superficial superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

Luckily, the cut was only _____.

From Late Latin superficialis, "of or relating to the surface", from superficies, "surface".

dial vial trial aerial serial filial denial medial racial social burial facial