# cursory

**Pronunciation:** /ˈkɜːrsəri/ · KUR-suh-ree

**CEFR level:** C2

**Part of speech:** adjective

## Meaning

Performed with little attention to detail or haste.

## Examples

- He performed a cursory check of the engine, missing the loose wire that caused the breakdown.
- The committee gave the proposal a cursory review, failing to notice the significant errors in the budget.
- After a cursory examination of the documents, she decided they were not worth her time.

## Synonyms

- quick — General term for speed without specific negative implication.
- brief — Focuses on short duration rather than lack of care.
- hasty — Suggests speed that leads to mistakes.
- superficial — Focuses on lack of depth or thoroughness.
- perfunctory — Implies doing something just to get it over with, lacking interest.

## Antonyms

- thorough — Doing something with complete attention to detail.
- meticulous — Extremely precise and careful.

## Collocations

- a cursory glance — He gave the letter a cursory glance before tossing it aside.
- a cursory inspection — The building passed a cursory inspection, but deeper problems remained.
- a cursory overview — The teacher provided a cursory overview of the complex historical period.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/cursory

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