Perfunctory
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /pəˈfʌŋk.t(ə)ɹɪ/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Perfunctory is an adjective meaning Done only or merely to conform to a minimal standard or to fulfill a protocol or presumptive duty.
Meaning
Done only or merely to conform to a minimal standard or to fulfill a protocol or presumptive duty.
More Meanings
- Performed in a careless or indifferent manner as a thing of rote.
Example Sentences
He did a perfunctory job cleaning his dad's car, finishing quickly but leaving a few spots still dirty.
He then poured some wine for me to taste, and harassed me with perfunctory courtesies that had to be acknowledged.
Alternatively it may mean that a perfunctory search is enough to ensure that a purchase is acceptable, so less search is carried out.
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?”
Synonyms for perfunctory
Depending on context, synonyms include automatic, cursory, obligatory, token, unthinking, haphazard.
Antonyms for perfunctory
Common opposites include careful, complete, thorough.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include formal, passing, casual, cursory, careless, routine.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.