What does perfectionism mean?
Perfectionism describes the persistent pursuit of flawless or exceptionally high standards. It may involve careful attention to detail, accuracy, and quality, but the word often carries the implication that these standards are excessive, difficult to satisfy, or potentially damaging. In everyday use, it can describe someone who repeatedly revises work, hesitates to complete tasks, or struggles to tolerate even minor mistakes. In psychology, perfectionism is commonly associated with rigid thinking, anxiety, and strong self-criticism, especially when paired with demanding personal expectations. The term is related to perfection and perfectionist, but it specifically emphasizes the attitude or habit of seeking perfection rather than the quality itself. It can be used neutrally in artistic, professional, or cultural contexts, as in “the atelier's reputation for perfectionism,” while more often it implies difficulty, inefficiency, or emotional strain.
nounPerfectionism is the habit or belief of insisting on perfection or the highest possible standard, often to an excessive or impractical degree. It can also refer more generally to meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
- The habit or insistence on achieving an exceptionally high standard of quality, correctness, or performance, often at the expense of practicality or completion.
- A broader tendency to pursue flawless results or exactness in work, behavior, or personal standards.
"Her perfectionism made it difficult to submit the report, because she kept revising every sentence."
"His perfectionism prevented him from releasing the software until every minor detail had been corrected."
"The exhibition was praised for its precision, though some critics found the curator's perfectionism overly restrictive."
The plural is uncommon and usually refers to different kinds or manifestations of perfectionism.
"The study compared several perfectionisms within the same artistic tradition."
Perfectionism can make ordinary work feel like a never-ending exam: the goal is not simply doing a task well, but eliminating every possible flaw.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How perfectionism is actually used
The term is often critical or clinical, particularly when it suggests anxiety, excessive control, difficulty finishing tasks, or unrealistic standards. It can also be used more neutrally for disciplined attention to quality.
Easily confused with perfectionism
Perfection is the state of being complete or flawless, whereas perfectionism is the persistent habit or attitude of seeking that state, especially to an excessive degree.