PERFUNCTORY

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does perfunctory mean? 

• PERFUNCTORY (adjective)
  The adjective PERFUNCTORY has 2 senses:

1. hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough

2. done or produced as a formality only

  Familiarity information: PERFUNCTORY used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PERFUNCTORY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough

Synonyms:

casual; cursory; passing; perfunctory; superficial

Context example:

In his paper, he showed a very superficial understanding of psychoanalytic theory

Similar:

careless (marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Done or produced as a formality only

Synonyms:

perfunctory; pro forma

Context example:

a one-candidate pro forma election

Similar:

formal (being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress))

 Context examples 

We had a sort of perfunctory supper together, and I think it cheered us all up somewhat.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

The question was perfunctory, and she knew what the answer would be.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

She knew they were failures, and he read her disapproval in every perfunctory and unenthusiastic line of her letter.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)