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

Mann says his daughter’s leanings toward perfectionism have caused her some anxiety.

From Los Angeles Times

Stewart makes no bones about her perfectionism or her lack of warmth, which she freely surmises is the reason her closest relationships suffered.

From Salon

Johnson says perfectionism is impossible in any art form.

From Los Angeles Times

Did Toto’s famous perfectionism in the studio ever suck the joy out of making music?

From Los Angeles Times

Check out the full interview with Durazo, in which she discusses the "delicate dance" of approaching sources who have been through tragedy and broader public misconceptions of pilots' perfectionism.

From Salon