superficiality
/ˌsuːpəˌfɪʃiˈæləti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsuːpərˌfɪʃiˈæləti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌsü-pər-ˌfi-shē-ˈa-lə-tē/ (ame, mw)
superficiality — noun
- superficialitysingular
- superficialitiesplural
1. a tendency to think only about obvious or trivial matters while avoiding deeper,
a tendency to think only about obvious or trivial matters while avoiding deeper, more serious ideas or feelings
Rafael tired of the superficiality of small talk at events where nobody discussed anything meaningful.
superficiality + of + [abstract noun phrase]
Ada's superficiality annoyed her classmates; she always changed the subject when talk turned serious.
possessor + superficiality + verb (shows consequence)
The novel explores the superficiality of a social circle obsessed with appearances and status symbols.
Mathieu left the party early, discouraged by the superficiality of the conversations around him.
- shallowness
more direct and common synonym; 'superficiality' is slightly more formal
- frivolity
emphasises a lack of seriousness rather than a lack of depth
- depth
the opposite quality — showing seriousness and thoughtful engagement
- profundity
formal antonym stressing great intellectual or emotional depth
2. the quality of appearing attractive, impressive, or valuable while lacking any g
the quality of appearing attractive, impressive, or valuable while lacking any genuine substance or real usefulness
The glossy brochure promised a dream vacation, but the resort's superficiality showed on day one.
possessor + superficiality + became obvious
Kabir saw through the superficiality of the company's sustainability campaign — its factories still dumped waste into the river.
saw through the superficiality of + [noun]
The critic called the movie a superficiality, all special effects and no story.
Darius dismissed the influencer's lifestyle brand as a superficiality built on filters and sponsorships.
- substance
what something is genuinely made of, in a metaphorical sense
- authenticity
the quality of being genuine and real
用法筆記
In sense 2, the word can occasionally be used as a countable noun (e.g. 'a superficiality'), referring to a specific thing that is superficially impressive but hollow. This countable use is less common than the uncountable form.
常見錯誤
3. the practice of dealing with a subject or task by looking at surface features al
the practice of dealing with a subject or task by looking at surface features alone, without any depth or careful attention
The doctor's superficiality during the check-up meant she missed the early signs of the infection.
possessor + superficiality during + [event]
Hoa was frustrated by the training course's superficiality, which skipped all practical exercises.
superficiality of + [training/study program]
Jason accused the news report of superficiality, listing statistics without explaining them.
Yael complained about the safety inspection's superficiality — it took ten minutes for the whole factory.
- shallowness
overlaps significantly, but 'superficiality' is more common for processes and analyses
- incompleteness
broader; lacks the nuance of 'only surface-level'
- thoroughness
the opposite quality — careful and complete attention to detail
- rigor
formal antonym stressing strict precision and depth
用法筆記
This sense often appears in criticism of professional work — reviews, analyses, inspections, or investigations. The focus is on the incompleteness of the process itself rather than on a person's character.