The difference between Obligatory and Perfunctory

When used as adjectives, obligatory means imposing obligation, legally or morally, whereas perfunctory means done only to fulfil a duty, or in a careless or indifferent manner.


check bellow for the other definitions of Obligatory and Perfunctory

  1. Obligatory as an adjective:

    Imposing obligation, legally or morally; binding.

    Examples:

    "an obligatory promise"

  2. Obligatory as an adjective:

    Requiring a matter or obligation.

  1. Perfunctory as an adjective:

    Done only to fulfil a duty, or in a careless or indifferent manner; performed mechanically and as a thing of rote.

    Examples:

    "He did a perfunctory job cleaning his dad's car, finishing quickly but leaving a few spots still dirty."