perfunctory

/pəˈfʌŋk.t(ə)ɹɪ/adjective

Done quickly and without real care or interest, merely because it has to be done.

Example sentence

“She gave the report a perfunctory glance and signed it without reading further.”

Often describes small gestures: a perfunctory nod or a perfunctory apology. The word itself signals that the person's heart was not in it.

Featured as word of the day on January 12, 2026.

Related words

perilousInvolving serious danger or risk.perennialContinuing or staying active through the whole year, or without ever stopping.permeateThe watery liquid left over as a by-product when milk is processed.peremptoryIn law, an objection that removes a potential juror without the lawyer having to give a reason.perpetualContinuing forever or seeming never to end.perceptiveQuick to notice and understand things that others might miss.