cursory

Cursory is an adjective meaning hasty and superficial, performed without thoroughness or detail. It is usually used to describe examinations, inspections, or readings done quickly and without due attention. The phrase cursory glance is common; a cursory review implies skipping relevant information. The term often carries a mildly negative connotation, suggesting carelessness rather than efficiency.

Etymology: From Latin currere "to run," through Late Latin cursorius meaning "running along"; entered English in the early 17th century. The sense is of moving over a subject briefly, as one might pass by while running.

Common usage and nuance: Cursory is typically applied to actions such as inspections, investigations, or readings performed with limited attention to detail. It connotes speed at the expense of completeness and is often contrasted with thorough, careful, or exhaustive approaches. Related terms include perfunctory and superficial, which share the sense of lacking depth or genuine engagement.

Examples and related terms: He gave the report a cursory read before the meeting. The inspector faced criticism for a cursory inspection that missed several safety concerns. Antonyms include thorough, meticulous, and exhaustive; related terms include perfunctory and superficial.