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
On the other end, however, these methodical signs can slip quite easily into perfectionism, which can stifle the fun that beauty is meant to be.
—
Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
True connection and intimacy don’t flourish under the weight of perfectionism or avoidance.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
She, too, is tickled by her own sense of perfectionism, and those glimpses of vulnerability were a form of self-control all along.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
The researchers found that those with pain had significant higher levels of socially prescribed perfectionism and lower levels of self-compassion than those without pain.
—New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025
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Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
True connection and intimacy don’t flourish under the weight of perfectionism or avoidance.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
She, too, is tickled by her own sense of perfectionism, and those glimpses of vulnerability were a form of self-control all along.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
The researchers found that those with pain had significant higher levels of socially prescribed perfectionism and lower levels of self-compassion than those without pain.
—New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perfectionism
Cite this Entry
“Perfectionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfectionism. Accessed 22 Sep. 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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