adj
perfunctory
Perfunctory (adj) means Done just to satisfy a basic requirement, without real care or effort.
adj
1
Done just to satisfy a basic requirement, without real care or effort.
"The second section of the episode charged from Winterfell to Highgarden and Oldtown in a way that felt perfunctory. I found myself asking, “We’re just getting to Winterfell?”"
— Ali Barthwell, Ice and fire finally meet in a front-loaded episode of Game Of Thrones (newbies) (2017)
2
Carried out quickly and without interest, as a routine habit.
"Alternatively it may mean that a perfunctory search is enough to ensure that a purchase is acceptable, so less search is carried out."
— Peter Bowbrick, The Economics of Quality (1992)
"He did a perfunctory job cleaning his dad's car, finishing quickly but leaving a few spots still dirty."
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Etymology
From Late Latin perfunctōrius (“careless, negligent”), from the past-participial stem of perfungor, perfunct- (“perform, carry through”), formed from per- and fungor.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for perfunctory
See all rhymes for perfunctory →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of perfunctory?
"perfunctory" (adj) means done just to satisfy a basic requirement, without real care or effort.
What is another word for perfunctory?
Other words for "perfunctory" include superficial, casual, passing, cursory.
What is the opposite of perfunctory?
Opposites of "perfunctory" include assiduous, zealous, meticulous, careful, thorough.
What are the different meanings of perfunctory?
"perfunctory" has 2 main meanings: 1. Done just to satisfy a basic requirement, without real care or effort; 2. Carried out quickly and without interest, as a routine habit.
