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Perfunctory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perfunctory

[pษ™rหˆfสŒล‹ktษ™ri ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perfunctory

Use 'perfunctory' to describe an action that is done with minimal effort or reflection, often as a formality or duty.

  • He gave a perfunctory nod before leaving the room.
  • The inspector completed a perfunctory review of the documents.
routine

Use 'routine' to describe actions that are performed regularly and are part of a fixed schedule or standard procedure.

  • Brushing his teeth was just part of his morning routine.
  • The routine check-up at the doctor's office revealed no problems.
mechanical

Use 'mechanical' to describe an action that is performed as if by a machine, often implying a lack of emotion or creativity.

  • Her smile was mechanical and devoid of warmth.
  • The worker repeated the task in a mechanical manner, showing no enthusiasm.
indifferent

Use 'indifferent' to denote a lack of interest, concern, or care about something. It can imply detachment or apathy.

  • She was indifferent to the outcome of the game.
  • His indifferent attitude towards the project upset his colleagues.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perfunctory

Used to describe actions done with little interest or enthusiasm, often in a routine or automatic manner. Typically carries a negative connotation indicating a lack of care or genuine engagement.

  • His perfunctory apology felt insincere and mechanical.
  • She gave the documents a perfunctory glance before signing them.
superficial

Used to describe something that is only concerned with the surface or appearance, lacking depth or substance. This term often has a negative connotation indicating a lack of thoroughness or understanding.

  • Their relationship seemed superficial, based more on looks than genuine connection.
  • The article provided only a superficial analysis of the issue.
cursory

Refers to something done quickly and without thoroughness. It implies a brief or superficial examination and often suggests that the result is incomplete or lacking in detail.

  • He gave the report a cursory review, missing several key errors.
  • Her cursory inspection of the kitchen failed to notice the grease stains.
hasty

Describes actions performed in a rushed manner, often resulting in mistakes or oversights. It suggests a sense of urgency or impatience.

  • In their hasty decision to leave, they forgot their passports.
  • She made a hasty judgment about him without knowing all the facts.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often perform tasks in a perfunctory manner when they feel bored or overwhelmed.
  • This mindset can reduce effectiveness and creativity in work and personal projects.
  • Research shows that being engaged in tasks leads to better outcomes than going through motions.

Literature

  • In literature, characters may act in a perfunctory way to showcase their emotional state or a societal critique.
  • Many authors use perfunctory actions to highlight the monotony of daily life.
  • Novels often contrast perfunctory actions with moments of genuine emotion to deepen character development.

Pop Culture

  • Films often depict characters doing jobs in a perfunctory manner to emphasize their dissatisfaction.
  • Songs and performances can convey themes of routine and monotony, reflecting a perfunctory lifestyle.
  • Social media posts sometimes carry a perfunctory tone, where people share content just to check a box.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss the implications of being perfunctory versus being mindful in actions and decisions.
  • Existential themes often arise when examining perfunctory living, questioning lifeโ€™s meaning.
  • A perfunctory approach to tasks can lead to a life unexamined, raising moral and ethical questions.

Origin of 'perfunctory'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'perfunctus', meaning 'to perform or pass through'.
  • It entered English around the early 19th century, evolving to describe shallow actions.
  • Originally related to completing tasks, it now implies a lack of enthusiasm.

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.