'perfunctory' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'perfunctorius,' where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'fungi' meant 'to perform.'

'perfunctorius' transformed into the Late Latin word 'perfunctorius,' and eventually became the modern English word 'perfunctory' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'done in a routine manner,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'carried out without real interest or effort.'