perfunctory
performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial: perfunctory courtesy.
lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic: In his lectures he reveals himself to be merely a perfunctory speaker.
Origin of perfunctory
1Other words for perfunctory
Opposites for perfunctory
Other words from perfunctory
- per·func·to·ri·ly, adverb
- per·func·to·ri·ness, noun
Words Nearby perfunctory
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use perfunctory in a sentence
Some perfunctory touches, such as a handshake, may be largely benign, whereas aggressive or abusive touch often precipitates long-term health detriments.
There’s a biological reason why we miss hugs so much | Purbita Saha | August 23, 2021 | Popular-ScienceDespite the many small moments of authenticity peppered throughout, there are too many others that are either too precious or too perfunctory, and that makes it hard to care as much about the ones that work.
Wahlberg walks for redemption in disappointing ‘Joe Bell’ | John Paul King | July 22, 2021 | Washington BladeA writer of fiction and popular histories, Montefiore is a vivid storyteller, but his commentary on speeches often has a rushed, perfunctory feel.
An anthology of great speeches, from the inspirational to the ominous | Jeff Shesol | July 9, 2021 | Washington PostThese shows, though they try hard to generate excitement, can’t help but feel a bit perfunctory.
These gestures, marked with a level of pomp that made them feel all the more perfunctory, did little to encourage confidence in the organization’s sincerity.
Embattled Golden Globes scramble for show of diversity | John Paul King | March 2, 2021 | Washington Blade
Ronaldo also does more than the perfunctory share of philanthropy that we expect from our athletic superstars.
Why It’s Still OK to Hate Sexy Bastard Cristiano Ronaldo After He Saved Team USA | Emily Shire | June 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTFrank Sinatra, who might have made a perfect Sky Masterson, made a perfunctory Nathan Detroit.
New York’s Greatest Show Or How They Did Not Screw Up ‘Guys and Dolls’ | Ross Wetzsteon | April 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTNow, most offered perfunctory thanks to fans, company, agent, and scene partner.
The debt-ceiling authorization has historically been a perfunctory mechanism.
Never Mind Obamacare. Worry About the Debt Ceiling. | William L. McComb | October 1, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTIt was unusual for Doc to be so perfunctory, but on this particular subject he was sticking to just the facts.
The Myths of Matthew Shepard’s Infamous Death | Stephen Jimenez | September 22, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTHe invites various players to make the cards; this is done in rather a perfunctory manner.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3) | Charles James WillsVarious matters mentioned by the governor receive perfunctory and formal answers.
A test examination would follow of a perfunctory character, and an intimation of your appointment would be the sequel.
Some of the others said a perfunctory word or two and went away with lingering backward looks.
Hilda | Sarah Jeanette DuncanHer desirable surroundings kindled her to but a perfunctory interest in life: the electric spark was absent.
Hilda | Sarah Jeanette Duncan
British Dictionary definitions for perfunctory
/ (pəˈfʌŋktərɪ) /
done superficially, only as a matter of routine; careless or cursory
dull or indifferent
Origin of perfunctory
1Derived forms of perfunctory
- perfunctorily, adverb
- perfunctoriness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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