perfectionism

[per-fek-shuh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. any of various doctrines holding that religious, moral, social, or political perfection is attainable.

2. a personal standard, attitude, or philosophy that demands perfection and rejects anything less.

perfectionism

/ pəˈfɛkʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. philosophy the doctrine that man can attain perfection in this life

2. the demand for the highest standard of excellence

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfectionism¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; perfection + -ism

Example Sentences

"I know perfectionism is an illusion, but I am always trying to chase it," admits 25-year-old Aswan.

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Rockstar has form for delaying its games and a reputation for perfectionism, with its previous big release - Red Dead Redemption 2 - delayed by roughly a year from its original release date.

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Cooper acknowledges his fierce commitment to his work with a smile that says guilty as charged, before contemplating his perfectionism.

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She adds that her perfectionism, including personally approving every recipe in her books, didn't help.

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His perfectionism stalled him out for years, but his resentment of the music business’ commercial pressures also took its toll.

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