Sample Sentences for
perfunctory
(editor-reviewed)

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  • •
    He offered to accompany her to the hospital, but in a perfunctory way.  (source)
    perfunctory = done without much interest or effort- (as though he felt he had to offer, but didn't really want to go)
  • •
    a feeble and perfunctory attempt to clear away some of the appalling mess of his study.  (source)
    perfunctory = done without much interest or effort
  • •
    Together they waged a perfunctory battle against the outrageous behavior of that place; against turned-over slop jars, smacks on the behind, and gusts of sour air.  (source)
    perfunctory = done quickly without concern or attention to detail
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  • •
    A rapid and somewhat perfunctory search followed.  (source)
    perfunctory = done quickly without concern or attention to detail
  • •
    He glanced perfunctorily at it, and shoved it in his pocket.  (source)
    perfunctorily = without much interest or effort
  • •
    There was the proper swearing in of Mr. Summers by the postmaster, as the official of the lottery; at one time, some people remembered, there had been a recital of some sort, performed by the official of the lottery, a perfunctory, tuneless chant that had been rattled off duly each year;  (source)
    perfunctory = done without much interest or effort
  • •
    He was invited perfunctorily every Sunday, but he seemed to know that he oughtn't to come and always managed an excuse.  (source)
    perfunctorily = without much interest or effort
  • •
    He smiled at her but it was perfunctory.  (source)
    perfunctory = done without much interest or effort
  • •
    NICK (Perfunctorily) Yes indeed . . . very handsome.  (source)
    Perfunctorily = without much interest
  • •
    They had about them a perfunctory air, like men accustomed to caring for livestock.  (source)
    perfunctory = working without much effort
  • •
    And the guards who, when Volkovoi wasn't around, carried out the frisking perfunctorily, now flung themselves into their work with savage zeal.  (source)
    perfunctorily = done without much interest or effort -- as when dispensing with a formality
  • •
    Then we say perfunctory things about how good it's all been and how we'll see each other soon, and this is suddenly very sad to have to talk like this…like casual acquaintances.  (source)
  • •
    It was pleasantly peaceful until Petra put one of her blinding communications so abruptly that I bit my tongue. Rosalind screwed up her eyes, and put a hand to her head. "For heaven's sake, child!" she protested. "Sorry. I forgot," said Petra perfunctorily.  (source)
    perfunctorily = without much interest or effort
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