going through the motions

ADJECTIVE

perfunctory

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cursory offhand sketchy superficial

WEAK

apathetic careless cool disinterested heedless impersonal inattentive indifferent involuntary lackadaisical laid-back mechanical negligent phoning it in routine slipshod slovenly standard stereotyped stock unaware unconcerned uninterested usual walking through it wooden

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careful complete detailed thorough

WEAK

precise thoughtful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"You feel a complete lack of hope or care for the future. You are just going through the motions," she said.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Mr. Bennett, age 91, and Mr. Hytner, 69, seem to be going through the motions with this effort, which feels like a forgettable Sunday-night PBS presentation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

He was calling Speaker Mike Johnson, who was going through the motions of saying hello to patrons who had shown up for an early lunch.

From Slate • Dec. 2, 2025

What an incredible way to spend your time, because I've had other jobs that have felt like going through the motions or whatever.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2025

I repeated the trick, but this time only by going through the motions.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

going through the motions

Example Sentences

Related Words