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
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First Look: Jacob Elordi and Daisy Edgar-Jones Yearn for Each Other in Love Triangle Novel Adaptation
Williams was notorious for his perfectionism, going over budget and deadline on nearly every project.
—
Tim Brinkhof, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024
The key is to steer away from hyper-focusing on perfectionism and being overly critical.
—Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 2024
Mental health is widely regarded as an important aspect of athletic performance, especially as striving for perfectionism and the general pressure of sports can cause stress.
—Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 28 July 2024
Research shows that girls with ADHD more often display inattentive symptoms along with characteristics not traditionally associated with ADHD, such as shyness, perfectionism and eating disorders.
—Kate Harrington, The Conversation, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for perfectionism 
Tim Brinkhof, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024
The key is to steer away from hyper-focusing on perfectionism and being overly critical.
—Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 2024
Mental health is widely regarded as an important aspect of athletic performance, especially as striving for perfectionism and the general pressure of sports can cause stress.
—Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 28 July 2024
Research shows that girls with ADHD more often display inattentive symptoms along with characteristics not traditionally associated with ADHD, such as shyness, perfectionism and eating disorders.
—Kate Harrington, The Conversation, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for perfectionism
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Cite this Entry
“Perfectionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfectionism. Accessed 20 Sep. 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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