Finesentence logo

Perfunctory: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜’
Add to dictionary

perfunctory

 

[ pษ™rหˆfสŒล‹ktษ™ri ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in a manner that shows little interest or effort

performed merely as a routine duty; lacking enthusiasm or interest

Synonyms

indifferent, mechanical, routine

Examples of usage

  • She gave a perfunctory nod when he entered the room.
  • He delivered a perfunctory apology without really meaning it.
  • Their perfunctory response to the crisis left much to be desired.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a superficial or cursory manner

done hastily and with little attention to detail; superficial or shallow

Synonyms

cursory, hasty, superficial

Examples of usage

  • He gave a perfunctory glance at the report before moving on to something else.
  • The perfunctory way she answered the question showed she didn't really care.
  • The perfunctory cleanup of the office left much to be desired.

Translations

Translations of the word "perfunctory" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น superficial

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคฆเคพเคธเฅ€เคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช oberflรคchlich

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dangkal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะฒะตั€ั…ะฝะตะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ powierzchowny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠใ–ใชใ‚Š

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท superficiel

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ superficial

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yรผzeysel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ˜•์‹์ ์ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณุทุญูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ povrchnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ povrchnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ•ท่ก

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ povrลกen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ yfirborรฐskenndur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะตั‚ะบะตะนะปั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ–แƒ”แƒ“แƒแƒžแƒ˜แƒ แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sษ™thi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ superficial

Etymology

The word 'perfunctory' originated from the Latin word 'perfunctorius', which means 'careless' or 'negligent'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century. Over time, 'perfunctory' has come to be associated with actions or gestures that are done without real interest or enthusiasm, merely as a formality or duty.

See also: dysfunction, dysfunctional, functional, functionality, functionally, functionaries, functionary, functioning, functions, malfunction, malfunctions, misfunction, multifunctional, multifunctionality, nonfunctional.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,312, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.