perfectionist
[per-fek-shuh-nist]
- a person who adheres to or believes in perfectionism.
- a person who demands perfection of himself, herself, or others.
Show More
- of, relating to, or distinguished by perfection or perfectionism.
Show More
Origin of perfectionist
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for perfectionist
Contemporary Examples
This perfectionist, however, has become unhinged—just how Coupe likes it.
They repeat tasks over and over with a ritualistic and often perfectionist bent.
"Bernice Reig was always too much of a perfectionist to allow a franchised store out of her control," Mr. Hoch told us.
Off the track, she had been a perfectionist pre-med student with a perfect GPA.
Are Female Long-Distance Runners More Prone To Suicidal Depression?Emily de la Bruyere
February 3, 2014
She's a perfectionist and if she does give TV a go she'd give Oprah a run for her money!
Miley Cyrus Wears Black Pasties; Naomi Campbell May Score Her Own Talk ShowThe Fashion Beast Team
September 23, 2013
Historical Examples
In this way a man may be an Abolitionist, yet not a perfectionist in general.
Abolition a SeditionGeo. W. Donohue
Stevenson is a perfectionist, and that way lies madness for all save a few valiant spirits.
UnicornsJames Huneker
I was asked by my host, whether I did read or not, what appeared shortly before that in Noyse's "Perfectionist" against me.
Secret Enemies of True RepublicanismAndrew B. Smolnikar
"Yes, my friends do," admitted the perfectionist, with an accent that was supposed to be crushing.
The MadigansMiriam Michelson
Nor is humanity itself fitted for the kind of transformation which fills the dreams of the perfectionist.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social JusticeStephen Leacock
perfectionist
- a person who strives for or demands the highest standards of excellence in work, etc
- a person who believes the doctrine of perfectionism
Show More
- of or relating to perfectionism
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for perfectionist
n.
1650s, from perfection + -ist. Originally theological, "one who believes moral perfection may be attained in earthly existence;" sense of "one satisfied only with the highest standards" is from 1934. Related: Perfectionism.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper