perfectionism

noun

per·​fec·​tion·​ism pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce perfectionism (audio)
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 noun or adjective
perfectionistic adjective

Examples of perfectionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But when perfectionism was motivated by fear of criticism from others, performance suffered. Tom Siegfried, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024 As each Sea Mink-ette’s instinct for self-preservation vies with perfectionism and a reluctance to let her teammates down, vulnerabilities register, tensions surge and the everyday world shows its seams. Celia Wren, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2024 This can appear as perfectionism, people-pleasing, care-taking, overthinking and self-criticism. Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2023 Scenes in the studio and backstage before shows reveal how Marley worked — his high expectations, his perfectionism, his sense of humor and his devotional approach to creating music. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2024 Written by Jon Robin Baitz and directed by Gus Van Sant, Max Winkler and Jennifer Lynch, the show endorses Capote’s view of cosmetic perfectionism as a talent and a tragedy. Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024 But that success has an underbelly when our perfectionism pigeonholes us as the worker bee. Ellen Connelly Taaffe, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2024 Stanley Kubrick’s career offers valuable insights into the advantages and risks associated with perfectionism. Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2023 There’s the same intensity, focus, and perfectionism. Boris Sollazzo, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perfectionism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of perfectionism was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near perfectionism

Cite this Entry

“Perfectionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfectionism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

perfectionism

noun
per·​fec·​tion·​ism pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce perfectionism (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on perfectionism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!