perfunctory

[per-fuhngk-tuh-ree]

adjective

1. performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial.

   perfunctory courtesy.

   Synonyms: uninterested, thoughtless, heedless, negligent
   Antonyms: diligent, careful

2. lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic.

   In his lectures he reveals himself to be merely a perfunctory speaker.

   Synonyms: uninterested, thoughtless, heedless, negligent
   Antonyms: diligent, careful

perfunctory

/ pəˈfʌŋktərɪ /

adjective

1. done superficially, only as a matter of routine; careless or cursory

2. dull or indifferent

Other Word Forms

• perfunctorily adverb
• perfunctoriness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfunctory¹

1575–85; < Late Latin perfūnctōrius negligent, superficial, derivative of perfungī to do one's job, be done, equivalent to per- per- + fung-, base of fungī to perform, function + -tōrius -tory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfunctory¹

C16: from Late Latin perfunctōrius negligent, from perfunctus dispatched, from perfungī to fulfil; see _function

Example Sentences

The perfunctory signage and wall text seem to be deliberate: How many visitors want to get bogged down in details, the GEM seems to reason.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For his 27 years at the club as player and assistant manager, did John Kennedy deserve a bit more than a perfunctory sentence of farewell from the club upon announcing his exit?

Read more on BBC

It was perfunctory, but after the week the defending champions have had, that's exactly what they needed.

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We get a few perfunctory glimpses of what the brass is like when they’re out of uniform and quiet; it comes as a relief.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Norm doesn’t treat the inquiry — “How’s the world treating you, Norm?” — as perfunctory pleasantry.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cursory 
• offhand 
• sketchy 
• superficial