perfectionism
noun
per·fec·tion·ism
| \ pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌni-zəm
\
\
Definition of perfectionism
1a
: 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
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Other Words from perfectionism
perfectionist
\ pər-ˈfek-sh(ə-)nist
\
noun or adjective
\
noun or adjective
perfectionistic
\ pər-ˌfek-shə-ˈni-stik
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of perfectionism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The show’s popularity has only been heightened by its notorious scarcity of episodes: Season 3 was delayed for two years due to creative struggles (Harmon blamed his own perfectionism). — James Hibberd, EW.com, "Rick and Morty creators give first season 4 interview," 17 July 2019 The ambition, commitment, and perfectionism in his work seemed a little unhinged. — Matthew Klam, The New Yorker, "The Weird, Violent, Uplifting Paintings of Mark Greenwold," 26 June 2019 In a world where perfectionism and fear of failure holds many people back from trying something new, that attitude gives students the license to be innovative and to become thought leaders in their future industries. — Jessica Levy, Cincinnati.com, "Jobs are important but so is passion, says local tech school Butler Tech," 7 June 2019 Psychologists Thomas Curran and Andrew Hill found that unhealthy perfectionism has surged among young adults, with the biggest increase seen in those who feel pressured by the expectations of others. — Rachel Simmons, chicagotribune.com, "Perfectionism among teens is rampant (and we're not helping)," 28 Jan. 2018 Actually, too often perfectionism and procrastination are sisters. — Jennifer King Lindley, Redbook, "Stop Trying to Be So Damn Perfect All the Time," 2 June 2017 Each reflects a movement toward pocket-size eccentricity and charm masking high-test pop perfectionism. — Jon Caramanica, New York Times, "The New Indie Pop: Off-Kilter, Handmade, Whimsical and Emotional," 7 Mar. 2018 And rates of perfectionism have increased significantly. — Jennifer Breheny Wallace, WSJ, "The Perils of the Child Perfectionist," 31 Aug. 2018 Negative perfectionism is linked to anger and rumination, such as obsessing about thoughts of inadequacy, according to a study published in the December 2010 issue of the International Journal of Psychology. — Tori Rodriguez, Woman's Day, "9 Attitude Adjustments for a Happier Life," 18 Jan. 2011These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perfectionism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for perfectionism
perfectionism
noun
per·fec·tion·ism
| \ pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌniz-əm
\
\
Medical Definition of perfectionism
: 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
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