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

Most-clicked in the newsletter yesterday: Hugh Kellenberger’s excellent column on Viktor Hovland and his fixation on perfectionism. —Chris Branch, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

But today, the singer stops short of perfectionism. —Stephen Daw, Billboard, 2 June 2025

Music teaches you to expect more from yourself and others, not out of perfectionism but out of respect for what’s possible. —Stefan Falk, CNBC, 30 May 2025

Scholars are still uncovering important questions about the antecedents and consequences of leader perfectionism. —Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 May 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