The difference between Perfunctory and Thorough

When used as adjectives, perfunctory means done only to fulfil a duty, or in a careless or indifferent manner, whereas thorough means painstaking and careful not to miss or omit any detail.


Thorough is also noun with the meaning: a furrow between two ridges, to drain off the surface water.

Thorough is also preposition with the meaning: through.

check bellow for the other definitions of Perfunctory and Thorough

  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."

  1. Thorough as an adjective:

    Painstaking and careful not to miss or omit any detail.

    Examples:

    "The Prime Minister announced a thorough investigation into the death of a father of two in police custody."

    "He is the most thorough worker I have ever seen."

    "The infested house needs a thorough cleansing before it will be inhabitable."

  2. Thorough as an adjective:

    Utter; complete; absolute.

    Examples:

    "It is a thorough pleasure to see him beg for mercy."

  1. Thorough as a preposition (obsolete):

    Through.

  1. Thorough as a noun (UK, dialect):

    A furrow between two ridges, to drain off the surface water.

    Examples:

    "rfquotek Halliwell"