English Dictionary
Definition of “perfunctory”
perfunctory (pəˈfʌŋktərɪ
)
Definitions
adjective
- done superficially, only as a matter of routine; careless or cursory
- dull or indifferent
Alternative Forms
perˈfunctorily adverb perˈfunctoriness noun Word Origin
C16: from Late Latin perfunctōrius negligent, from perfunctus dispatched, from perfungī to fulfil; see function
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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offhand,
routine,
wooden,
automatic,
stereotyped,
mechanical,
indifferent,
careless,
superficial,
negligent,
sketchy,
unconcerned,
cursory,
unthinking,
slovenly,
heedless,
slipshod,
inattentive,
Usage examples
He saw the fifth bank clerk, but the meeting was perfunctory ; simply an exchange of envelopes, and then goodbye.
Leasor, James, Tank of Serpents (1986)A recurring feature of the discussion about identity cards is the increasingly perfunctory reference to'civil liberties objections '.
Spiked (2003)The earlier movie was smart; this one is thinner and more perfunctory , with lots of action but less to really care about.
Ottawa Sun (2003)Ministers had also been accused of conducting funeral services in a " perfunctory " fashion, he said.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)Prisoners lined up at the exit door and were subjected to a perfunctory rub-down search by the officer who was in charge of security.
Coyle, Andrew & Stern, Vivien, The Prisons We Deserve (1994)
