What does perfectionistic mean?
Perfectionistic means insisting on perfection or holding oneself to exceptionally exacting standards. The word is often used to describe a person's attitudes, methods, or tendencies, particularly when attention to detail, accuracy, and flawless presentation are central. It may be approving when describing disciplined craft or careful work, but it is more commonly critical when it implies excessive fussiness, unrealistic expectations, or difficulty accepting anything less than ideal. A perfectionistic editor, for example, may scrutinize every sentence, while a perfectionistic plan may leave no detail unaddressed. The adjective is related to perfection, perfectionism, and perfectionist, and is especially useful when discussing a characteristic approach rather than identifying the person who holds those standards.
adjectiveCharacterized by an insistence on perfection, often accompanied by great attention to detail and exacting standards. It can describe a person's approach or tendencies as well as the qualities of a demanding or meticulous process.
- Insisting on perfection or exactness, especially in standards of quality, detail, or personal conduct.
"Her perfectionistic attention to detail ensured that every part of the project met the highest standards."
"He was known for his perfectionistic standards and rarely accepted a first draft without extensive revision."
"The perfectionistic organization of the archive made every item easy to locate."
Perfectionistic describes the pursuit of an ideal so exact that even a tiny flaw becomes impossible to overlook.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perfectionistic come from?
Perfectionistic was formed from the English family of perfection, meaning the state of being complete or flawless. These words ultimately connect with Latin perfectus, meaning “completed, finished, or perfect.” The suffix -istic adds the sense of being characterized by perfection or by an insistent attachment to an ideal, and the adjective developed alongside the related noun perfectionist.
Related word forms
How perfectionistic is actually used
Usually mildly critical or evaluative: it can suggest an excessive or impractical insistence on flawlessness rather than simply careful workmanship. It is less common than the related noun perfectionist.
Easily confused with perfectionistic
A perfectionist is a person who demands perfection, whereas perfectionistic is an adjective describing that demanding or excessively meticulous outlook.