perfunctory
/pəˈfʌŋk.t(ə)ɹɪ/
Group 11Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection GRE
Example in Context
The safety inspection was so perfunctory that investigators later found it had missed several critical violations that contributed to the accident.
Synonyms
half-heartedcarelessroutine
Etymology
Performed through minimal effort — lacking enthusiasm.
- per- (Latin) — through
- functus (Latin) — performed
Memory Aid
🏭Sounds like “perform factory”
A robot in a factory doing tasks half-heartedly, saying 'I’m just PERFUNCTIONARY, not even trying!'
Visual Association
😴A bored employee yawning while checking off tasks on a to-do list without care.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “perfunctory” mean on the GRE?
perfunctory (adjective) means “Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection”. The safety inspection was so perfunctory that investigators later found it had missed several critical violations that contributed to the accident.
How to remember “perfunctory” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “perfunctory” sounds like “perform factory”. A robot in a factory doing tasks half-heartedly, saying 'I’m just PERFUNCTIONARY, not even trying!'
What are synonyms for “perfunctory”?
Common synonyms: half-hearted, careless, routine.