# cursory

/ˈkɝsɝi/ (US) · /kˈɜːsəɹˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cursory
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a quick look or check that is not very careful. You use this when you want to say someone only looked at something for a short time.

For teachers: brief or superficial in nature; lacking in depth or detail. Often used to describe a quick inspection or a brief examination.

## Examples

- He gave the report only a cursory glance before signing it.
- The manager performed a cursory inspection of the safety equipment before the meeting started.
- The committee's cursory review of the financial statements failed to uncover the significant discrepancies that would later lead to the company's collapse.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.