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

The very traits that drive individual success—perfectionism, control, personal accountability—become organizational liabilities at scale. —Tarun Galagali, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Virgo encourages improvement through devotion, not perfectionism. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 30 July 2025

This is clearly a new side of Harmon, who has previously been quite open with THR about his perfectionism and struggles over being willing to stop tinkering with an episode. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2025

Perhaps from a perfectionism that could never be satisfied, perhaps from clinical depression, Wells turned triumph into torment. —Henry Wiencek july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 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