Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - superficial

 adjective  Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin ~is, from Latin superficies  Date: 15th century  1.  a.  (1) of, relating to, or located near a surface  (2) lying on, not penetrating below, or affecting only the surface ~ wounds  b. British, of a unit of measure square ~ foot  2.  a. concerned only with the obvious or apparent ; shallow  b. seen on the surface ; external  c. presenting only an appearance without substance or significance  • ~ly adverb Synonyms:  ~, shallow, cursory mean lacking in depth or solidity. ~ implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features a ~ analysis of the problem. shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character a light, shallow, and frivolous review. cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details gave the letter only a cursory reading.