ENGLISH
REFERENCE

perfection

n.
US //pɝˈfɛkʃən// UK //pəfˈɛkʃən// per·fec·tion
  1. 1 flawlessness (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the state of being perfect, with no mistakes or faults.

    the state or quality of being perfect; the highest possible degree of excellence or faultlessness.

    Example

    The chef spent years trying to reach perfection with his signature bread recipe.

    Example

    The pianist's performance was a study in technical perfection, leaving the audience in stunned silence as the final note faded.

  2. 2 an ideal example (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    a person or thing that is a perfect example of something.

    a quality, endowment, or individual considered to be an ideal or a manifestation of complete excellence.

    Example

    The garden in full bloom was a perfection of color and design.

    Example

    To the young poet, the elder writer's latest collection represented a perfection of the lyric form that seemed impossible to replicate.

Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 legal validation (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Law

    the process of making a legal claim official and protected.

    the process or act of establishing official recognition for a legal claim, typically regarding security interests or liens.

    Example

    The bank completed the perfection of its claim on the property to ensure it was protected.

    Example

    Failure to ensure the timely perfection of the security interest left the creditor vulnerable during the subsequent bankruptcy proceedings.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'perfection of a security interest'.

Origin

From Middle English perfeccioun, from Old French perfection, from Latin perfectiō. Equivalent to perfect + -ion. Displaced native Old English fulfremednes.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference