What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Perfunctory vs Unconscious - What's the difference?

perfunctory | unconscious | Related terms |

Perfunctory is a related term of unconscious.


As adjectives the difference between perfunctory and unconscious

is that perfunctory is done merely to discharge a duty; performed mechanically and as a thing of rote; done in a careless and superficial manner; characterized by indifference; as, perfunctory admonitions; aspiring only to minimum standards while unconscious is not awake; having no awareness.

As a noun unconscious is

(psychology) the unconscious mind.

perfunctory

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Done merely to discharge a duty; performed mechanically and as a thing of rote; done in a careless and superficial manner; characterized by indifference; as, perfunctory admonitions; aspiring only to minimum standards.
  • He did a perfunctory job cleaning his dad's car, finishing quickly but leaving a few spots still dirty.
  • * 1918 , (Edgar Rice Burroughs), Chapter VIII
  • I caught the gist of what he was saying--which in effect was that he had found and captured this Galu, that she was his and that he defied anyone to question his right of possession. It appeared to me, as I afterward learned was the fact, that I was witnessing the most primitive of marriage ceremonies. The assembled members of the tribe looked on and listened in a sort of dull and perfunctory apathy, for the speaker was by far the mightiest of the clan.
  • * 1992 , Peter Bowbrick, The Economics of Quality, Grades, and Brands , p. 55,
  • Alternatively it may mean that a perfunctory search is enough to ensure that a purchase is acceptable, so less search is carried out.

    Synonyms

    * (performed out of routine) automatic, cursory, dutiful, mechanical, obligatory, slipshod, token, unthinking

    Antonyms

    * thoughtful

    See also

    * pro forma

    unconscious

    English

    (Unconscious mind)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Not awake; having no awareness.
  • She lay unconscious on the floor.
  • Without directed thought or awareness.
  • My sudden fright was an unconscious response.
  • (sports) engaged in skilled performance without conscious control.
  • * 1998 , Charles Rosen, The Cockroach Basketball League , page 144
  • Sam is unconscious , filling it, drilling it from every conceivable angle. Lem is awful and Cooper seems confused. Josh shoots too often.
  • * 1999 , Joseph Leininger, Terry Whalin, Lessons from the Pit: A Successful Veteran of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange , page 10
  • "I was unconscious ," the basketball player gushes. "It seemed like everything I threw up toward the basket went straight in."
  • * 2002 , Alexander Wolff, Big Game, Small World: A Basketball Adventure , page 292
  • Someone who has reeled off a string of baskets will say, "I was unconscious," as if he were following the Zen injunction to be mindful while suspending thought.

    Synonyms

    * insentient, oblivious, out of it, out on one's feet, unaware * (skilled performance without conscious control) in the zone, on a roll

    Noun

    (singulare tantum)
  • (psychology) The unconscious mind