Learn English – Word for “not trying one’s best” or “appearance of little effort”

single-word-requests

I will provide definitions for which I can't think of the word:

  • as though not trying one's best
  • having the appearance of little effort

The word is used to describe something that you look at and think, "They're not really trying."

I remember thinking this is a good vocab word, and darn it, I forgot it. This has been driving me crazy all day.

Best Answer

How about doing something half-heartedly?

without enthusiasm or effort

I half-heartedly joined a gym to get fit.

Or a half-hearted attempt.

Synonyms include:

[Oxford]

EDIT: The word the OP was looking for is:

perfunctory

(Of an action) carried out without real interest, feeling, or effort:

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