: 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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebMy intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgement, a place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking, a place to scream, release, feel freedom. Bianca London, Glamour, 29 July 2022 My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgement, a place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking, a place to scream, release, feel freedom. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 28 July 2022 Hickox believes emotional perfectionism could be an unrecognized source of anxiety, based on experience with her patients. Olga Mecking, Washington Post, 9 June 2022 Adaptive perfectionism is a never-satisfied mindset that can have a positive influence on performance. Matt Fitzgerald, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2020 My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment, a place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. Thania Garcia, Variety, 28 July 2022 Virgos are known to be analytical and detail-focused, which sometimes leads to perfectionism. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 28 July 2022 Julie Amato, a sports psychologist at Elite Mindset Sports and Princeton University, says that women athletes, in particular, struggle with perfectionism.Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2022 Researchers suspect that more teens are grappling with perfectionism because of social media, which encourages constant comparison among peers. Laura Newberrystaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2022 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1b
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