a perfunctory assessment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perfunctory assessment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an evaluation or review that is done with minimal effort or attention, often just to fulfill a requirement. Example: "The manager conducted a perfunctory assessment of the team's performance, barely glancing at the reports before submitting them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Such bizarre notions, combined with a perfunctory assessment of the ways in which America can combat obesity, distract attention from the very real and alarming problems, discussed in this otherwise absorbing volume, of living large.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"These kinds of haphazard, perfunctory assessments of people with complicated disabilities result in the Andrew Goldsteins," she said, referring to the schizophrenic man convicted of pushing a woman off a subway platform to her death.

The New York Times

In patients with a greater chronic disease burden, such a perfunctory pre-anesthetic assessment does not permit the more comprehensive evaluation, or as indicated, the consultation, which our PACT Clinic affords.

BMC Anesthesiology

A perfunctory greeting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Kramer gave it a perfunctory glance.

The New York Times

Ouellet wrote a perfunctory letter.

The Guardian

Giuliani made not even a perfunctory show of sympathy.

The New Yorker

George Bush has pledged support, but in a perfunctory way.

The Economist

The office did not conduct more than a perfunctory inquiry.

The New York Times

Emer gave her mother a perfunctory kiss and followed them.

The New Yorker

"But now you can't just do it in a perfunctory way," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a perfunctory assessment", ensure the context clearly indicates that the assessment lacked genuine effort or thoroughness. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the superficiality of the evaluation.

Common error

While "perfunctory" can add nuance, avoid using it repeatedly in formal documents. Overuse can make your writing sound overly critical or negative. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "cursory" or "superficial" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perfunctory assessment" functions as a noun phrase, where "perfunctory" modifies the noun "assessment". It describes the type of assessment being conducted, indicating that it is carried out with minimal effort or genuine interest. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a perfunctory assessment" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an evaluation lacking genuine effort or thoroughness. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in English. While its usage is relatively rare, it effectively conveys criticism or dissatisfaction with the quality of an assessment, often found in news and professional contexts. Consider alternative phrases like "a cursory evaluation" or "a superficial review" to vary your language. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the superficiality of the evaluation to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cursory evaluation

Focuses on the brief and quick nature of the evaluation, highlighting the lack of thoroughness.

a superficial review

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the review, suggesting a surface-level examination.

a routine check

Highlights the mechanical and uninspired nature of the check, implying a lack of genuine interest or effort.

a token evaluation

Stresses the symbolic nature of the evaluation, suggesting it was done merely to satisfy requirements.

a shallow analysis

Indicates a lack of profound insight or detailed examination in the analysis.

a hasty appraisal

Highlights the rushed nature of the appraisal, suggesting a lack of careful consideration.

a quick once-over

Emphasizes the speed and lack of detail in the examination, suggesting a very brief look.

a negligent audit

Suggests a careless and irresponsible approach to the audit, highlighting a failure to exercise due diligence.

a rubber-stamp approval

Implies automatic and uncritical approval, suggesting a lack of meaningful evaluation.

a formality

Highlights the procedural aspect, suggesting that the action is carried out as a matter of custom rather than genuine intent.

FAQs

How can I use "a perfunctory assessment" in a sentence?

You can use "a perfunctory assessment" to describe a review or evaluation that is carried out without much care, attention, or enthusiasm. For example, "The manager conducted "a perfunctory assessment" of the employee's performance, barely glancing at the provided data."

What are some alternatives to "a perfunctory assessment"?

Some alternatives to "a perfunctory assessment" include phrases like "a cursory evaluation", "a superficial review", or "a routine check", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "perfunctory" mean in the context of "a perfunctory assessment"?

In this context, "perfunctory" means done routinely and with little interest or care. It suggests that the assessment was carried out as a matter of habit or duty, rather than with genuine engagement or attention to detail.

Is there a difference between "a perfunctory assessment" and "a thorough assessment"?

Yes, the two are opposites. "A perfunctory assessment" implies a lack of depth and attention, while "a thorough assessment" indicates a comprehensive and detailed evaluation. One is superficial, and the other is exhaustive.