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

Many young people feel enormous pressure to be perfect, and this perfectionism can have a serious cost. —Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026

Emotional perfectionism can bubble up in relationships today. —Usa Today, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026

The Marvel series is a surprisingly tender meditation on perfectionism, performance, and the paralyzing fear of not being enough. —Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 27 Jan. 2026

Studies on perfectionism show that the pursuit of flawlessness often yields diminishing returns while increasing stress. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 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