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
\
noun or adjective
perfectionistic
\
pər-ˌfek-shə-ˈni-stik
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of perfectionism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For medical professionals, there’s a culture of perfectionism that makes asking for help a sign of weakness.
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Time, 13 Oct. 2021
Suzuki notes that an important part of learning how to cope with anxiety is letting go of perfectionism.
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Christine Koh, CNN, 6 Oct. 2021
Geared towards young female readers, the series aims to remedy the cult of perfectionism among girl coders.
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Jennifer Barton, Wired, 5 Oct. 2021
Expecting to make the switch from self-loathing to total, unadulterated self-love was unreasonable — perfectionism in a different form.
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Kelsey Miller, refinery29.com, 16 Sep. 2021
One of the teachings that resonated with me is about letting go of paralyzing perfectionism and why good enough is better than perfect.
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Susanna Schrobsdorff, Time, 26 July 2021
According to the American Psychological Association perfectionism has been on the rise among young people since 1980.
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Tess Brigham, Forbes, 2 June 2021
Virgos are known for their perfectionism–no detail is too small for this earth sign.
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Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 13 Sep. 2021
But the perfectionism of its founders, including Hayao Miyazaki and the late Isao Takahata, means that fans of the trailblazing Japanese animation studio have often waited years between new releases.
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Sadie Gennis, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2021
See MoreThese 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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Cite this Entry
“Perfectionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfectionism. Accessed 25 Oct. 2021.
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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
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Time Traveler for perfectionism
The first known use of perfectionism was in 1835
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