perfunctory

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-tory¹

OTHER WORDS FROM perfunctory

per·func·to·ri·ly, adverbper·func·to·ri·ness, noun

Words nearby perfunctory

performing arts, perf. part., perfume, perfumer, perfumery, perfunctory, perfusate, perfuse, perfusion, Pergamum, pergelisol

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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-Science
Despite 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 Blade
A 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 Post
These shows, though they try hard to generate excitement, can’t help but feel a bit perfunctory.
GLAAD Media Awards celebrate progress|John Paul King|April 13, 2021|Washington Blade

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|DAILY BEAST
Frank 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|DAILY BEAST
Now, most offered perfunctory thanks to fans, company, agent, and scene partner.
My Night at the NSFW Oscars|Richard Abowitz|January 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The debt-ceiling authorization has historically been a perfunctory mechanism.
Never Mind Obamacare. Worry About the Debt Ceiling.|William L. McComb|October 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It 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|DAILY BEAST
He 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 Wills
Various matters mentioned by the governor receive perfunctory and formal answers.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
A test examination would follow of a perfunctory character, and an intimation of your appointment would be the sequel.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 107, November 3, 1894|Various
Some of the others said a perfunctory word or two and went away with lingering backward looks.
Hilda|Sarah Jeanette Duncan
Her 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

perfunctory

/ (pəˈfʌŋktərɪ) /

adjective

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

dull or indifferent

Derived forms of perfunctory

perfunctorily, adverbperfunctoriness, noun

Word Origin for perfunctory

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

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

perfunctory

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