perfectionism
perfectionism Lexical Profile
perfectionism Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A personality trait or disposition characterized by a refusal to accept any standard short of perfection, often accompanied by setting excessively high expectations and being overly critical of oneself or others.
"Her relentless perfectionism ensured the architectural blueprints were flawless, though it delayed the project by several weeks."
A philosophical or theological doctrine holding that moral, spiritual, or human perfection is the highest good and an attainable goal in earthly life.
"Nineteenth-century social reformers were frequently inspired by Christian perfectionism, believing society could be purged of moral failings."
• Rhymes for perfectionism
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 19th century by attaching the suffix '-ism' to 'perfection', which comes from Old French and ultimately Latin 'perfectio' ('a completing'), from 'perficere' ('to accomplish or bring to an end').