Word
perfectionist
Phoneticsper·fec·tion·ist, stress on the second syllable
US/pɝˈfɛkʃənəst/
UK/pəfˈɛkʃənˌɪst/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who believes that everything must be perfect. They often spend a lot of time trying to fix small mistakes.
n. a person who demands that everything be perfect or as close to perfect as possible. Often used to describe someone with an obsessive concern for detail and quality.
Examples
“He is a perfectionist and never leaves his desk until everything is perfect.”
“The project was delayed because the lead designer was a perfectionist who refused to approve the final layout until every color was exactly right.”
“While a perfectionist's attention to detail can lead to exceptional results, it often comes at the cost of efficiency, as they spend disproportionate amounts of time on minor aesthetic adjustments.”
Examples
simple
“He is a perfectionist and never leaves his desk until everything is perfect.”
contextual
“The project was delayed because the lead designer was a perfectionist who refused to approve the final layout until every color was exactly right.”
complex
“While a perfectionist's attention to detail can lead to exceptional results, it often comes at the cost of efficiency, as they spend disproportionate amounts of time on minor aesthetic adjustments.”
Real-World Examples
“A true perfectionist – he wouldn’t present anything that wasn’t to his standard and it was an honour to witness.” “She said: "It's actually perfectionists or those who go the extra mile who are more likely to experience this.” “It was perfect.”
Dyson received a small amount of praise from Nicholson, who was well known to be a perfectionist.” Etymology
From perfection + -ist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/perfectionist