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
Recent Examples on the Web
His perfectionism was well-known in the industry, earning him a reputation for disliking studio meetings and script notes, often disappearing for months to work on scenes.
—
Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 2 July 2024
Patient, time-consuming perfectionism isn't his thing, and songs that dare to be three minutes long bore him.
—Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2024
And then there is the stunning sequence that captures Dion back in the recording studio for the first time in three years attempting to sing a new song and going through all the pain, second guessing , perfectionism, frustration, and finally satisfaction that managed to get to a special result.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 21 June 2024
Students have developed poor body image, eating disorders and perfectionism at startling rates.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for perfectionism 
Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 2 July 2024
Patient, time-consuming perfectionism isn't his thing, and songs that dare to be three minutes long bore him.
—Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2024
And then there is the stunning sequence that captures Dion back in the recording studio for the first time in three years attempting to sing a new song and going through all the pain, second guessing , perfectionism, frustration, and finally satisfaction that managed to get to a special result.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 21 June 2024
Students have developed poor body image, eating disorders and perfectionism at startling rates.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for perfectionism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perfectionism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Perfectionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfectionism. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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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