Looking for synonyms for going through the motions? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say going through the motions.
- Auto-piloting
- Half-heartedly participating
- Phoning it in
- Perfunctory performance
- Lackluster effort
- Mechanical execution
- Disinterested involvement
- Uninspired action
- Rote behavior
- Going through the paces
- Listless participation
- Unenthusiastic engagement
- Acting mechanically
- Doing the bare minimum
- Following a routine
Want to learn how to say going through the motions professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Auto-piloting
Appropriate Use: Suitable for describing actions done without active thought or engagement, similar to a machine operating automatically.
Example: “During the weekly meetings, it often feels like he’s just auto-piloting through his presentations.”
2. Half-heartedly Participating
Appropriate Use: Ideal for situations where someone is involved in an activity but without much interest or effort.
Example: “She has been half-heartedly participating in the training sessions, which is affecting her performance.”
3. Phoning it in
Appropriate Use: Used to describe a lack of genuine effort or enthusiasm in performing a task.
Example: “It’s clear from his lack of preparation that he’s just phoning it in.”
4. Perfunctory Performance
Appropriate Use: Suitable for a situation where the actions are carried out with minimal effort or reflection, just to fulfill a duty.
Example: “His perfunctory performance in the project didn’t contribute much to its success.”
5. Lackluster Effort
Appropriate Use: Used to describe an action or attempt that is uninspired and without enthusiasm.
Example: “The team’s lackluster effort in the campaign led to mediocre results.”
6. Mechanical Execution
Appropriate Use: Ideal for describing actions that are done automatically, without any emotional involvement or creativity.
Example: “Her mechanical execution of the tasks indicates a need for more engaging responsibilities.”
7. Disinterested Involvement
Appropriate Use: Used when someone is participating in an activity but clearly lacks interest or enthusiasm.
Example: “There was a noticeable disinterested involvement from some team members during the brainstorming session.”
8. Uninspired Action
Appropriate Use: Suitable for actions that lack freshness, creativity, or enthusiasm.
Example: “The presentation was marked by uninspired action, lacking in energy and new ideas.”
9. Rote Behavior
Appropriate Use: Applicable when actions are performed out of habit, without thought or genuine engagement.
Example: “His responses during the meeting seemed like rote behavior, rather than thoughtful contributions.”
10. Going through the Paces
Appropriate Use: Used to describe doing something as part of a routine or habit, without real involvement or interest.
Example: “It feels like she’s just going through the paces with her daily reports.”
11. Listless Participation
Appropriate Use: Ideal for situations where there is an apparent lack of energy or enthusiasm in taking part in an activity.
Example: “The listless participation of some staff members in the workshop was quite evident.”
12. Unenthusiastic Engagement
Appropriate Use: Used when participation or involvement lacks enthusiasm or vigor.
Example: “His unenthusiastic engagement in the project is negatively impacting team morale.”
13. Acting Mechanically
Appropriate Use: Suitable for describing actions that are done in an automatic, unthinking manner.
Example: “She’s been acting mechanically ever since she lost interest in her job.”
14. Doing the Bare Minimum
Appropriate Use: Used when someone does only what is absolutely necessary, with minimal effort or enthusiasm.
Example: “We need to address the issue of employees just doing the bare minimum.”
15. Following a Routine
Appropriate Use: Appropriate for situations where actions are performed as part of a regular, unvarying pattern, without much thought.
Example: “He’s merely following a routine in his tasks, without adding any innovation or improvement.”
