Which of the following actions is best described by the term 'cursory'?

The term 'cursory' refers to something done hastily and without attention to detail, often resulting in a superficial or careless outcome. In this context, the best description of 'cursory' is the action of performing a task quickly but without careful consideration or thoroughness.

When an action is cursory, it typically implies that the person involved has not devoted enough time or effort to complete the task in a thorough manner, leading to potential oversights or omissions. This aligns perfectly with the notion of quick yet careless performance.

In contrast, the other options each imply a level of attention or engagement that contradicts the essence of being cursory. Detail-oriented work signifies a thorough and careful approach, while prolonged engagement in tasks and deep engagement with a subject indicate a significant commitment to understanding and quality, which is at odds with performing tasks in a cursory manner. Thus, the description aptly captures the essence of the term 'cursory.'