English Reference
noun

perfection

n.
US /pɝˈfɛkʃən/ UK /pəfˈɛkʃən/ per·fec·tion UK spelling perfections

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    excellenceflawlessnesspurity
  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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'.

Progress over perfection is the golden rule I teach my students.

The Conversation· 17 Aug 2026

For 44 minutes, Racing were something like perfection.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin perfectiō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated