perfectionist

[per-fek-shuh-nist]

noun

1. a person who adheres to or believes in perfectionism.

2. a person who demands perfection of himself, herself, or others.

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

• perfectionistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfectionist¹

First recorded in 1650–60; perfection + -ist

Example Sentences

The notoriously perfectionist developer has a history of holding on to its blockbusters until it's happy with them, so the news wasn't a complete surprise.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He was a fretful perfectionist who would endlessly rehearse; Anne was naturally funny; she flowed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One person hemmed in by perfectionist anxiety was invited to sing with an off-key Masli.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If that makes her sound like an obsessive perfectionist, think again.

Read more on BBC