Definitions

perfunctory

[per-fuhngk-tuh-ree] / pərˈfʌŋk tə ri /

ADJECTIVE

automatic, unthinking

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cursory offhand sketchy superficial

WEAK

apathetic careless cool disinterested going through the motions heedless impersonal inattentive indifferent involuntary lackadaisical laid-back mechanical negligent phoning it in routine slipshod slovenly standard stereotyped stock unaware unconcerned uninterested usual walking through it wooden

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careful complete detailed thorough

WEAK

precise thoughtful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Perhaps that explains her perfunctory, somewhat rote speech — which still didn’t detract from the joy of her win.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

And there’s nothing about this show that is perfunctory.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

Right there, you have the perfect shadow-docket sandwich: perfunctory, bad decisionmaking, conclusory predictions about what constitutes an “emergency” and who’s going to win, decided in a couple of days, wiping out extensive factual findings.

From Slate • Jan. 3, 2026

The perfunctory signage and wall text seem to be deliberate: How many visitors want to get bogged down in details, the GEM seems to reason.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

His words are perfunctory, as if he’s speaking to one of his fighters.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

Vocabulary lists containing perfunctory

"The Lottery," Vocabulary from the short story

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100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

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"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson

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