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

Psychological factors such as trauma, negative thinking patterns, perfectionism or low self-worth can further increase vulnerability, says Noorlander. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026

The first step, Duris says, is tackling the perfectionism that likely got you here in the first place. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026

Jackson plays Cooper, the sibling of Liz and Cuoco’s character Kate, the eldest daughter who inherited her mother’s perfectionism, elegance, and organizational prowess. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026

In these cases, Harris recommends embracing landing zones over perfectionism. —Julianna Chen, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026

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