Adjective describing a person who does work to get it done

I have a friend who always goes on that I have a bad work ethic, though I am not lazy. At the same time, he says he has a good work ethic, but is lazy.

The definition of having a good work ethic is that you believe work helps further your character/moral fibre, while the definition of lazy is not wanting to do work.

My friend usually treats homework as something that needs to be done, for its own sake. For example, if a maths problem is particularly difficult, then he'll skip over it. Nothing wrong with that per se, but if he later learns how to fix it, he does not bother because he's done with it. Thus, he is disinclined to do the work (lazy), but does it anyway (not an attribute of having a good work ethic).

What is a better adjective to describe my friend? Or, failing that, is there a quick way to describe him eloquently?

Solution 1:

Lackadaisical: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lackadaisical

lack·a·dai·si·cal  (lk-dz-kl)
adj.
Lacking spirit, liveliness, or interest; languid

1. lacking vitality and purpose
2. lazy or idle, esp in a dreamy way

Indolent: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/indolent

in·do·lent  (nd-lnt)
adj.

a. Disinclined to exert oneself; habitually lazy. See Synonyms at lazy.
b. Conducive to inactivity or laziness; lethargic: humid, indolent weather

1. disliking work or effort; lazy; idle

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/half-hearted:

half-hearted
adj
without enthusiasm or determination

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unenthusiastic:

unenthusiastic [ˌʌnɪnθjuːzɪˈæstɪk]
adj
lacking in enthusiasm

Solution 2:

Your friend makes a perfunctory effort.

That is, he performs the task mechanically, with little personal attachment to the outcome.

Solution 3:

Colloquially, we can say such a person gives the job a lick and a promise.

Lately, such a person could be called a slacker, i.e.,

1. One who shirks work or responsibility: