perfectionism

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

|Updated on: 27 Jun 2018

Definition of perfectionism

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

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perfectionist

play \pər-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nist\ noun or adjective

—

perfectionistic

play \pər-ˌfek-shə-ˈni-stik\ adjective

Recent Examples of perfectionism from the Web

Natural perfection and high-maintenance perfectionism, both at the same time.

— constance grady, Vox, "Beyoncé is a paradox. That’s what makes her an icon.," 16 June 2018
One of the most intriguing abstracts presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference in Minneapolis earlier this month was a preliminary look at potential links between perfectionism and injury risk.

— alex hutchinson, Outside Online, "Why Perfectionists Get More Shin Splints," 8 June 2018
Hiring new staff and instilling them with a sense of her perfectionism — without drowning under its demands herself — has been challenging, too.

— jonathan kauffman, San Francisco Chronicle, "Fernay McPherson and the movement that found success away from her native Fillmore," 11 May 2018
So where’s that socially prescribed perfectionism come from?

— anna orso, Philly.com, "College students today are bigger perfectionists than their parents - but it's not all Instagram's fault," 8 Jan. 2018
Longstreth's music often feels calculated and schematic—his perfectionism, ambition, and outsize technical ability can overwhelm the more universally human qualities in his work.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Music / Post No Bills After a chilly breakup record, Dirty Projectors regain their bubbly ebullience on Lamp Lit Prose," 21 May 2018
That perfectionism accounts for the long wait for the new album.

— joe lynch, Billboard, "Robyn Shares Details on Long-Awaited New Album at Red Bull Music Festival," 21 May 2018
But none of this territory feels as distinctive as that chronic perfectionism.

— tom russo, BostonGlobe.com, "Striking a pose for Giacometti," 4 Apr. 2018
In January, Tomlinson assured fans his perfectionism was slowing down the album process.

— abby jones, Billboard, "Louis Tomlinson Hints Release of Debut Solo Album is 'Finally' Coming," 4 Apr. 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.

First Known Use of perfectionism

1835

in the meaning defined at sense 1b

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

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