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

Give me personal mantras to stop my perfectionism and clear criteria for when to trust my gut versus gathering more data. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

The researchers found that those with pain had significant higher levels of socially prescribed perfectionism and lower levels of self-compassion than those without pain. —New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025

But when those efforts tip into perfectionism, there can be consequences. —Adrienne Farr, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025

Don’t let your innate perfectionism ruin the fun at this time. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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