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superficial effort

[ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl ˈɛfərt]
noun phrasepl: superficial efforts
esforço superficial
1. An attempt or endeavor that lacks depth, thoroughness, or genuine commitment; work done without proper attention to detail or substance
His superficial effort at studying resulted in a failing grade on the exam.
Seu esforço superficial ao estudar resultou em uma nota vermelha no exame.
2. A half-hearted or minimal attempt to accomplish something
The company made only a superficial effort to address customer complaints.
A empresa fez apenas um esforço superficial para resolver as reclamações dos clientes.
NYC Slang
phony attempt / half-assed try
Synonyms
half-hearted attempttoken effortcursory attemptminimal effortshallow attempt
Antonyms
genuine effortthorough effortwholehearted attemptdeep commitmentserious endeavor

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
esforço superficial
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
esforço meio-boca
Colloquial variation; 'meio-boca' means half-hearted
São Paulo
esforço de fachada
Emphasizes the surface-level or facade aspect
Portugal
esforço superficial
Standard usage; may also use 'tentativa ligeira'

Related Idioms & Phrases

to go through the motions
a lick and a promise
window dressing
skin-deep
not putting one's heart into it
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