perfectionism

noun

per·​fec·​tion·​ism pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce perfectionism (audio)
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 noun or adjective
perfectionistic adjective

Examples of perfectionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Stewart traces her perfectionism back to her upbringing. Constance Grady, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 What are your go-to practices for keeping perfectionism, negative self-talk, and other damaging elements of the psyche in check? Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 22 Oct. 2024 Maybe your inner obstacle is perfectionism, which is a type of self-sabotage. Diane Wang, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024 Anika Noni Rose wanted to teach children how to heal from perfectionism with her new children's book. Charna Flam, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perfectionism 

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of perfectionism was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near perfectionism

Cite this Entry

“Perfectionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfectionism. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

perfectionism

noun
per·​fec·​tion·​ism pər-ˈfek-shə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce perfectionism (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on perfectionism

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