superficiality

[ soo-per-fish-ee-al-i-tee ]

noun

, plural su·per·fi·ci·al·i·ties.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of superficiality¹

superficial ( def ) + -ity ( def )

Example Sentences

The film is magnifying the superficiality of our culture.

From Salon

Still, Clark backs her, particularly as she challenges the superficiality of those only supporting star authenticity when it is positive.

From BBC

The film's touchstones of communication and breaking through barriers of superficiality are ultimately pulled together through Ant's relationship with his disability and his father's abuse.

From BBC

My father was the first to talk about his superficiality, his social climbing, the importance he placed on getting invited to parties and having celebrities to his house for parties.

From Los Angeles Times

But older people often mistake the platform’s sometimes playful nature for superficiality, Lobel said, adding, “We don’t just want to see politicians dancing on our TikTok.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• area
• expanse
• exterior
• facade
• façade
• face
• level
• side
• skin
• top