Definition

The quality of doing something with little effort or care, often just to get it done without real interest or attention.

Example

His perfunctoriness in completing the project showed that he was not truly invested in the work.

Conversation

Have you noticed the perfunctoriness in our meetings lately?

Yeah, it feels like everyone is just going through the motions.

I wish we could make them more engaging instead of just routine.

Absolutely! A little more enthusiasm could really change the vibe.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Perfunctoriness → It is formed from "perfunctorius" (from Latin, meaning done merely as a duty) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word refers to the quality of being done with little effort or care, often as a routine task.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin root meaning 'done merely as a duty' to remember that 'perfunctoriness' describes the quality of doing something with minimal effort or care.

Visually Confused Words