What does perfection mean?
Perfection is the state of being complete, flawless, or exceptionally accomplished. In contemporary use, it most often describes a result that approaches the highest standard of quality, although “perfection” can also describe exceptional skill, accuracy, or beauty in a performance or object. The expression “the pursuit of perfection” has a familiar aspirational tone, suggesting continual improvement rather than the literal absence of flaws. Depending on context, the word may be complimentary, as when a performance is described as flawless, or critical, as when perfection is demanded from people who cannot realistically meet that standard. It can also mean a fully realized or completed condition. Although “perfect” is the direct adjective corresponding to the noun, perfection more often names the quality or state itself than the concrete thing that possesses it.
nounThe state of being complete, flawless, or as nearly perfect as possible. It can also refer to an exceptionally precise or accomplished achievement.
- The quality of being free from defects or errors and therefore exceptionally complete or flawless.
- A degree of skill, precision, or beauty that represents the highest attainable standard.
- The condition of having reached a fully developed or completed state.
"Her careful preparation brought the complex plan to perfection."
"The restoration brought the neglected building close to perfection."
"Perfection is less useful than dedication when the work is still difficult."
Normally used as an uncountable noun. The plural is uncommon but can refer to separate acts, products, or examples of perfect quality.
"The collection displays several architectural perfections."
Perfection comes from the Latin perfectus, meaning “completed” or “finished” — originally about something brought to its intended end.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perfection come from?
Perfection entered English through Old French perfection, from Latin perfectio, a noun derived from perfectus, meaning “complete,” “finished,” or “blameless.” The underlying Latin root perficere means “to finish” or “make complete.” Related English forms include perfect, perfectionist, and imperfection, all reflecting the same idea of completion or faultlessness.
Related word forms
How perfection is actually used
The word is often aspirational rather than strictly literal: “the pursuit of perfection” can imply a standard that is difficult or impossible to attain. It is generally formal and can sound demanding when applied to people or their work.
Easily confused with perfection
Perfection means complete excellence or flawlessness, whereas perceptive means able to understand or notice things accurately.
Perfection is the established English noun for the state of being flawless; prefection is a rare word for the act of prefacing.