What word fits better in the following sentence:
To the __________ of many taxpayers, some citizens seem to cheat the government with impunity.
A)perfunctory
B)preverse
Neither word fits. There is no such word as "preverse". "Perfunctory" is an adjective, but the blank must be filled with a noun.
Are there no other choices? Words like annoyance, ire, disgust, surprise and shock would fit, and each would convey a different meaning.