perfectionist

American

[per-fek-shuh-nist] / pərˈfɛk ʃə nɪst /

noun

a person who adheres to or believes in perfectionism.
a person who demands perfection of himself, herself, or others.

adjective

of, relating to, or distinguished by perfection or perfectionism.

Other Word Forms

perfectionistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of perfectionist

First recorded in 1650–60; perfection + -ist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I want to win everything, I want to be a perfectionist in everything. I'm a nightmare when we play Monopoly at home," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

"I'm a fierce perfectionist and there is an overactive, hugely self-critical voice in my head - my whole life is an exercise in trying to shake that," he says.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

He described Isak as a perfectionist in both business and personal matters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025

But she developed a reputation for being a demanding perfectionist and mean, contradicting that pleasant imagery associated with her brand.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2025

He used to say that being a perfectionist was one of life’s most important secrets.

From "A Place to Belong" by Cynthia Kadohata

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023