perfectionism

noun

per·fec·tion·ism | \ pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌni-zəm

Definition of perfectionism

1a : 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

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Other Words from perfectionism

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

The ambition, commitment, and perfectionism in his work seemed a little unhinged. — Matthew Klam, The New Yorker, "The Weird, Violent, Uplifting Paintings of Mark Greenwold," 26 June 2019 In a world where perfectionism and fear of failure holds many people back from trying something new, that attitude gives students the license to be innovative and to become thought leaders in their future industries. — Jessica Levy, Cincinnati.com, "Jobs are important but so is passion, says local tech school Butler Tech," 7 June 2019 Psychologists Thomas Curran and Andrew Hill found that unhealthy perfectionism has surged among young adults, with the biggest increase seen in those who feel pressured by the expectations of others. — Rachel Simmons, chicagotribune.com, "Perfectionism among teens is rampant (and we're not helping)," 28 Jan. 2018 Actually, too often perfectionism and procrastination are sisters. — Jennifer King Lindley, Redbook, "Stop Trying to Be So Damn Perfect All the Time," 2 June 2017 Each reflects a movement toward pocket-size eccentricity and charm masking high-test pop perfectionism. — Jon Caramanica, New York Times, "The New Indie Pop: Off-Kilter, Handmade, Whimsical and Emotional," 7 Mar. 2018 And rates of perfectionism have increased significantly. — Jennifer Breheny Wallace, WSJ, "The Perils of the Child Perfectionist," 31 Aug. 2018 Negative perfectionism is linked to anger and rumination, such as obsessing about thoughts of inadequacy, according to a study published in the December 2010 issue of the International Journal of Psychology. — Tori Rodriguez, Woman's Day, "9 Attitude Adjustments for a Happier Life," 18 Jan. 2011 The mental stress associated with perfectionism may also play a role. — Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, "Why Perfectionists Get More Shin Splints," 8 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perfectionism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

11 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for perfectionism

The first known use of perfectionism was in 1835

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More Definitions for perfectionism

perfectionism

noun

per·fec·tion·ism | \ pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌniz-əm

Medical Definition of perfectionism

: 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