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
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This is a damaging habit: according to research from the Hardin Group and the Social Research Lab, 86 percent of respondents believe perfectionist expectations impact their work, and 68 percent believe perfectionism leads to burnout.
—
Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Ideological perfectionism can work against you today.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 20 July 2025
Executives struggled to navigate Gwyneth’s impatience and perfectionism.
—Liz McNeil, People.com, 16 July 2025
Holden Caulfield responded to the ennui and existential despair of the Cold War by sinking into depression and glib cynicism; Vera reacts to our era’s deadly division with fits of perfectionism, striving to mend all conflicts everywhere.
—Book Marks
july 10, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for perfectionism
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Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Ideological perfectionism can work against you today.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 20 July 2025
Executives struggled to navigate Gwyneth’s impatience and perfectionism.
—Liz McNeil, People.com, 16 July 2025
Holden Caulfield responded to the ennui and existential despair of the Cold War by sinking into depression and glib cynicism; Vera reacts to our era’s deadly division with fits of perfectionism, striving to mend all conflicts everywhere.
—Book Marks
july 10, Literary Hub, 10 July 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 29 Jul. 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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