Synonyms

superficiality

American

[soo-per-fish-ee-al-i-tee] / ˌsu pərˌfɪʃ iˈæl ɪ ti /

Rarely superficialness

noun

plural

superficialities

the fact or quality of being at or near, or relating to, the surface.

From the superficiality of the wound, and our promptness in treating it, I had no doubt it would heal quickly.
the fact or quality of being external or outward only.

In her films evil often seems attractive, but the superficiality of this attraction is always revealed in the end.
the fact or quality of being concerned only with what is obvious, external, or on the surface.

Superficiality and "looking good" take precedence in a culture that values appearances over genuine achievement.
shallow quality; lack of depth or thoroughness.

Any book that attempts a survey of literature covering hundreds of years and multiple genres runs the risk of superficiality.
the fact or quality of being insubstantial or insignificant.

The superficiality of the changes is likely the real reason critics have not compared the two versions of this play.
the fact or quality of being merely apparent rather than real.

The scene reveals the superficiality of his concern for his wife—all he really cares about is the family’s reputation.

Etymology

Origin of superficiality

superficial ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This is a novel about pettiness, middle-class superficiality, disloyalty, prejudice and cruelty, with this coterie of rather vile friends acting as a microcosm for a society in decline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

We know that the plastic veneer of Hollywood gives parts of the city, and aspects of life here, a certain superficiality.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2025

The film is magnifying the superficiality of our culture.

From Salon • Sep. 20, 2024

Building relationships with a hundred musicians in Oslo, another hundred in Paris, while beginning new relationships with a hundred in Amsterdam and another hundred Chicago is a recipe for superficiality.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2024

Thus we live a closed, hard existence of the utmost superficiality, and rarely does an incident strike out a spark.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023