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

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

From Los Angeles Times

The applause offered for Musk in the Cabinet meeting was enthusiastic on the part of some, perfunctory by others and non-existent in at least one case.

From Salon

The result was that the fires’ role in the proceedings felt perfunctory, not essential — the minimum acknowledgment required by good taste so the show could go on.

From Los Angeles Times

Sources familiar with the check told the Times that the FBI had a perfunctory conversation with Hegseth's second ex-wife, but did not follow up nor respond to her multiple attempts to provide more information.

From Salon

Another resident of L.A. said they feel that a lot of the concern is perfunctory, and worse, a disingenuous effort from folks they’ve purged to “weasel back into their life.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cursory 
• offhand 
• sketchy 
• superficial