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."
Examples of perfunctory in a Sentence
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
Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
While the imposing, varied bosses are a highlight, even basic enemies rarely feel perfunctory in Mina the Hollower.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026
His expressions of alarm are detailed and expansive; his expressions of hope, perfunctory and brief.
—Francis X. Rocca, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026
The offstage material is pleasant but mostly perfunctory.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for perfunctory
Cite this Entry
“Perfunctory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfunctory. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perfunctory
adjective
