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
Examples of perfectionism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Holden Caulfield responded to the ennui and existential despair of the Cold War by sinking into depression and glib cynicism; Vera reacts to our era’s deadly division with fits of perfectionism, striving to mend all conflicts everywhere.
—
Book Marks
july 10, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
The Christian content creators, who amassed over 71 million views on YouTube and 20 million listens on Spotify with guests, including pastors Stephanie Ike Okafor and Phillip Anthony Mitchell, cover topics like perfectionism, mental health and brokenness on their platform.
—Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
Initially, participants completed assessments of two forms of perfectionism, self-critical perfectionism (harsh self-judgment and fear of mistakes) and personal standards perfectionism, as well as measures of anxiety and depression.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Apple, with its cutting-edge designs and perfectionism, was a pretty fussy and demanding client.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perfectionism
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Book Marks
july 10, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
The Christian content creators, who amassed over 71 million views on YouTube and 20 million listens on Spotify with guests, including pastors Stephanie Ike Okafor and Phillip Anthony Mitchell, cover topics like perfectionism, mental health and brokenness on their platform.
—Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
Initially, participants completed assessments of two forms of perfectionism, self-critical perfectionism (harsh self-judgment and fear of mistakes) and personal standards perfectionism, as well as measures of anxiety and depression.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Apple, with its cutting-edge designs and perfectionism, was a pretty fussy and demanding client.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perfectionism
Cite this Entry
“Perfectionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfectionism. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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