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

The documentary’s superficiality is reflected in its peculiar use of animation.

From Salon • Nov. 1, 2025

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

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 • Jun. 7, 2024

I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over an abyss of sorrow.

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