careless; perfunctory; illicit
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesadjective
to drift along; to live in a makeshift way; to muddle through without ambition
literaryOften used in set phrases like 苟且偷安. Carries a negative connotation of lacking long-term vision.
They live in makeshift peace without thinking of making progress.
A real man should not muddle through life, but should accomplish something.
adjective
perfunctory; careless; sloppy; doing things hastily just to get by
formalDescribes doing work carelessly without attention to detail. Often used in the pattern 不敢苟且 (dare not be careless).
When translating, he dares not be careless with a single word or sentence.
Following routine and working carelessly cannot lead to great achievements.
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When conducting academic research, one must never approach it carelessly.
adjective
illicit; improper; immoral (especially referring to sexual relations)
formalOften used to describe secret or immoral sexual relationships. Commonly appears in phrases like 苟且之事.
The two had an illicit affair and were eventually discovered.
This kind of illicit relationship will lead to problems sooner or later.
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Ancient ethical codes strictly prohibited illicit conduct between men and women.