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View synonyms for perfunctory

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


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Derived Forms

  • perˈfunctorily, adverb
  • perˈfunctoriness, noun

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Other Words From

  • per·functo·ri·ly adverb
  • per·functo·ri·ness noun

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of perfunctory1

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

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Example Sentences

Some perfunctory touches, such as a handshake, may be largely benign, whereas aggressive or abusive touch often precipitates long-term health detriments.

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.

A writer of fiction and popular histories, Montefiore is a vivid storyteller, but his commentary on speeches often has a rushed, perfunctory feel.

These 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.

Ronaldo also does more than the perfunctory share of philanthropy that we expect from our athletic superstars.

Frank Sinatra, who might have made a perfect Sky Masterson, made a perfunctory Nathan Detroit.

Now, most offered perfunctory thanks to fans, company, agent, and scene partner.

The debt-ceiling authorization has historically been a perfunctory mechanism.

It was unusual for Doc to be so perfunctory, but on this particular subject he was sticking to just the facts.

He invites various players to make the cards; this is done in rather a perfunctory manner.

Various 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.

Her desirable surroundings kindled her to but a perfunctory interest in life: the electric spark was absent.

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