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

As with her Remarkably Bright Creatures character Tova, whose spiky perfectionism is driven by pain, or even for Marcellus himself, whose frustration pushes him to persevere, Field has found her anger to be a tool of sorts. — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

What had felt like needless perfectionism now looked like professionalism. — Mark Nevins, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Others address loneliness, perfectionism, uncertainty or the quiet weight of feeling stuck. — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026

Your steady focus turns play into practice, while your patience trims perfectionism and lets authentic joy take the stage. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for perfectionism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism

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