superficiality
UK: ˌsuː.pə.fɪʃ.iˈæl.ə.ti | US: ˌsuː.pɚ.fɪʃ.iˈæl.ə.ti
n. the quality of being concerned only with surface appearances or obvious aspects; lack of depth or substance
n. (archaic) the state of being situated on the surface
The word traces back to Latin superficialis ("of the surface"), combining super (above) and facies (face/appearance). It originally described physical surfaces but evolved metaphorically to critique shallow thinking. The suffix -ity (via Old French -ité) solidified its abstract noun form in English, emphasizing a lack of depth.
His charm masked a troubling superficiality in conversations.
The article criticized the superficiality of celebrity culture.
Medieval scholars often debated the superficiality of material wealth.
Her paintings avoid superficiality by exploring emotional layers.
The film’s plot suffered from its superficiality and clichés.