perfectionism

noun

per·​fec·​tion·​ism pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌni-zəm 

1

a

: the doctrine that the perfection of moral character constitutes a person's highest good

b

: the theological doctrine that a state of freedom from sin is attainable on earth

2

: a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable

perfectionist

pər-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nist 

noun or adjective

perfectionistic

pər-ˌfek-shə-ˈni-stik 

adjective

Examples of perfectionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Apple, with its cutting-edge designs and perfectionism, was a pretty fussy and demanding client. —Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 June 2025

The perfectionism displayed in the videos was often disturbing, Dr. Hales says. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 10 June 2025

Don’t let perfectionism or self-doubt keep your story on the shelf. —Adrian Gostick, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Related article Wellness perfectionism doesn’t exist. —Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for perfectionism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Medical Definition

perfectionism

noun

per·​fec·​tion·​ism pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌniz-əm 

: a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable

especially : the setting of unrealistically demanding goals accompanied by a disposition to regard failure to achieve them as unacceptable and a sign of personal worthlessness