perfunctory

[ per-fuhngk-tuh-ree ]

adjective

1. performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial:

   perfunctory courtesy.

   Synonyms: uninterested, thoughtless, heedless, negligent

   Antonyms: diligent, careful

2. lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic:

   In his lectures he reveals himself to be merely a perfunctory speaker.

   Synonyms: uninterested, thoughtless, heedless, negligent

   Antonyms: diligent, careful

perfunctory

/ pəˈfʌŋktərɪ /

adjective

1. done superficially, only as a matter of routine; careless or cursory
2. dull or indifferent

Derived Forms

• perˈfunctorily, adverb
• perˈfunctoriness, noun

Other Words From

• per·functo·ri·ly adverb
• per·functo·ri·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfunctory¹

1575–85; < Late Latin perfūnctōrius negligent, superficial, derivative of perfungī to do one's job, be done, equivalent to per- per- + fung-, base of fungī to perform, function + -tōrius -tory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfunctory¹

C16: from Late Latin perfunctōrius negligent, from perfunctus dispatched, from perfungī to fulfil; see function

Related Words

• cursory
• offhand
• sketchy
• superficial