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
The same applies to perfectionism, micromanagement and the need to control every small detail.
—
Sarah Noll Wilson, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
However, on the day of the Dress Up x Dashers launch and tree-lighting event, DeeDee emerges unscathed, while Dirk succumbs to his own perfectionism.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024
My 3 favorite strategies to overcome perfectionism Here’s what works for me:
Set learning goals instead of performance goals.
—Amy Landino, Contributor, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
And studies show that the rate of perfectionism is going up, especially among young people.
—Andrea Kane, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for perfectionism 
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Sarah Noll Wilson, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
However, on the day of the Dress Up x Dashers launch and tree-lighting event, DeeDee emerges unscathed, while Dirk succumbs to his own perfectionism.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024
My 3 favorite strategies to overcome perfectionism Here’s what works for me:
Set learning goals instead of performance goals.
—Amy Landino, Contributor, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
And studies show that the rate of perfectionism is going up, especially among young people.
—Andrea Kane, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for perfectionism
Dictionary Entries Near perfectionism
Cite this Entry
“Perfectionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfectionism. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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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