By numbers Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Lack Originality Indicates doing something in a conventional, unimaginative way. His painting was clearly done by numbers; no creative flair at all. Pro Tip 2/3Routine Tasks Used for tasks completed without needing special skills. Filling out the forms is just work done by numbers. Pro Tip 3/3Undistinguished Suggests something is done in a standard way, without standing out. Their dance performance was played by numbers and forgettable.