Meaning

Done only or merely to conform to a minimal standard or to fulfill a protocol or presumptive duty..

Definitions by Sense

1. Done only or merely to conform to a minimal standard or to fulfill a protocol or presumptive duty.
2. Performed in a careless or indifferent manner as a thing of rote.

Example Sentences

I caught the gist of what he was saying--which in effect was that he had found and captured this Galu, that she was his and that he defied anyone to question his right of possession. It appeared to me, as I afterward learned was the fact, that I was witnessing the most primitive of marriage ceremonies. The assembled members of the tribe looked on and listened in a sort of dull and perfunctory apathy, for the speaker was by far the mightiest of the clan.

He then poured some wine for me to taste, and harassed me with perfunctory courtesies that had to be acknowledged.

The second section of the episode charged from Winterfell to Highgarden and Oldtown in a way that felt perfunctory. I found myself asking, “We’re just getting to Winterfell?”

Even as former administration officials and Democratic leaders called on the president to tell his supporters to “go home,” Mr. Trump for hours did little to discourage them from storming the building. Instead, he issued two perfunctory tweets in which he asked them merely to remain “peaceful.”

He did a perfunctory job cleaning his dad's car, finishing quickly but leaving a few spots still dirty.

Alternatively it may mean that a perfunctory search is enough to ensure that a purchase is acceptable, so less search is carried out.

Word Forms

• more perfunctory
• most perfunctory

Synonyms for perfunctory

Antonyms for perfunctory

Related Words

When Should You Use Perfunctory?

Use perfunctory when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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