perfectible

adjective

per·​fect·​ible pər-ˈfek-tə-bəl How to pronounce perfectible (audio)
 also  ˈpər-fik-
: capable of improvement or perfection (as in moral state)
perfectibility
pər-ˌfek-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce perfectible (audio)
 also  ˌpər-fik-
noun

Examples of perfectible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Winnicott pushed back strongly against the idea that children require perfection from their parents, or that children should be perfectible. — Elliot Haspel, The Atlantic, 10 May 2022 Philosophers such as Rousseau, whose worldview inspired many progressives, believed that human nature is highly malleable, even perfectible, so long as the right corrections are made to the social structure. — Nate Hochman, National Review, 16 July 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perfectible was in 1635

Rhymes for perfectible

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perfectibilitarian
perfectible
perfect induction
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Cite this Entry

“Perfectible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfectible. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

perfectible

adjective
per·​fect·​ible pər-ˈfek-tə-bəl How to pronounce perfectible (audio)
 also  ˈpər-fik-
: capable of improvement or perfection
perfectibility
pər-ˌfek-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce perfectible (audio)
 also  ˌpər-fik-
noun
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