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
Examples of perfectionism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Weaknesses: Their tendency toward perfectionism may lead to a focus on minor details at the expense of broader strategic goals, potentially hindering progress or causing delays.
—
Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2024
Procrastination can sometimes be the manifestation of perfectionism, which can exacerbate anxiety, overwhelm and stress.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 14 May 2024
Meanwhile, Mallory has tried to stand out amid Jared’s chaos by leaning into perfectionism and a love of fencing.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024
By then, however, Bouley’s sense of perfectionism sometimes meant long waits between courses, causing titanic battles between him and Nieporent, with Bouley exiting to open his own namesake restaurant nearby in 1987.
—John Mariani, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perfectionism 
Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2024
Procrastination can sometimes be the manifestation of perfectionism, which can exacerbate anxiety, overwhelm and stress.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 14 May 2024
Meanwhile, Mallory has tried to stand out amid Jared’s chaos by leaning into perfectionism and a love of fencing.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024
By then, however, Bouley’s sense of perfectionism sometimes meant long waits between courses, causing titanic battles between him and Nieporent, with Bouley exiting to open his own namesake restaurant nearby in 1987.
—John Mariani, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perfectionism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perfectionism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near perfectionism
Cite this Entry
“Perfectionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfectionism. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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