# perfectionist

/pɝˈfɛkʃənəst/ (US) · /pəfˈɛkʃənˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/perfectionist
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a person who believes that everything must be perfect. They often spend a lot of time trying to fix small mistakes.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.