perfunctory

adjective

per·​func·​to·​ry pər-ˈfəŋ(k)-t(ə-)rē 

1

: characterized by routine or superficiality : mechanical

a perfunctory smile

2

: lacking in interest or enthusiasm

perfunctorily

pər-ˈfəŋ(k)-t(ə-)rə-lē 

adverb

perfunctoriness

pər-ˈfəŋ(k)-t(ə-)rē-nəs 

noun

Did you know?

A perfunctory explanation of the origins of perfunctory would be this: it comes from Latin. Borrowed in the late 16th century, the word is specifically from the Late Latin perfunctorius, meaning "done in a careless or superficial manner." Perfunctorius ultimately comes from two Latin sources, per-, meaning "through," and fungi, meaning "to perform." Fungi is also a source to such words as function, defunct, and fungible, but not to fungus; that word is also from Latin, but it is most likely a modification of the Greek word spongos, meaning "sponge."

Synonyms

• apathetic
• casual
• complacent
• disinterested
• incurious
• indifferent
• insensible
• insouciant
• nonchalant
• pococurante
• unconcerned
• uncurious
• uninterested

Examples of perfunctory in a Sentence

The eight-time Pro Bowl player sometimes goes several weeks without agreeing to do even the most perfunctory postgame interviews. —Nunyo Demasio, Sports Illustrated, 8 Jan. 2007

Convivial and self-absorbed, he talks freely about crime and crooks, with only the most perfunctory nods toward conventional morality. —Edward Dolnick, The Rescue Artist, 2005

You probably don't want to know how perfunctory was the presentation of the state's evidence, how tenth-rate was the performance of the court-appointed defense or how wretched was the end. —Christopher Hitchens, Nation, 23-30 Aug. 1999

the violinist delivered a perfunctory performance that displayed none of the passion and warmth he was once known for

Recent Examples on the Web

The will-they-won’t-they pairings that should light up these characters feel similarly perfunctory. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Sep. 2024

Background questions put to refugees were perfunctory. —Max Abrahms, Foreign Affairs, 22 Mar. 2017

Michelle’s pursuit of health-care reform is explained in a perfunctory flashback to her father’s inadequate hospital treatment; later in the same episode, her arc is braided with that of Betty nursing a shoulder injury while looking after her children. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2022

Naomi and Sandy may be perfunctory Jews, but their ‘70s commune was a Buddhist retreat. —John Domini, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin perfunctorius, from Latin perfungi to accomplish, get through with, from per- through + fungi to perform — more at per-, function

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

perfunctory

adjective

per·​func·​to·​ry pər-ˈfəŋ(k)-t(ə-)rē 

1

: done mechanically or carelessly

a perfunctory inspection

2

: lacking in interest or enthusiasm : indifferent

perfunctorily

-t(ə-)rə-lē 

adverb

perfunctoriness

-t(ə-)rē-nəs 

noun