ENGLISH
REFERENCE

perfunctory

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //pɝˈfəŋktɝi// UK //pəfˈʌŋktəɹˌi// per·func·to·ry

adj. done quickly and without real interest or care. You do something this way only because you have to, not because you want to do a good job.

adj. carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection. Attributive or predicative adjective typically describing actions performed as a matter of routine or duty.


SIMPLE

He gives a perfunctory nod as he walks past.

CONTEXTUAL

The inspector performed a perfunctory check of the building, missing several obvious repairs that were needed.

COMPLEX

The candidate offered only a perfunctory apology during the interview, failing to address the deeper concerns raised by the committee regarding his previous professional conduct.

Synonyms
Origin

From Late Latin perfunctōrius (“careless, negligent”), from the past participial stem of perfungor, perfunct- (“perform, carry through”), from per- + fungor.

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