Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who is displeased by anything that does not meet very high standards: A perfectionist is someone who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection. They often have very high expectations for themselves and others.
   • A person who adheres to or advocates the doctrine of perfectionism: In philosophical or religious contexts, a perfectionist is someone who believes moral or spiritual perfection is attainable.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • She is such a perfectionist that she spent hours editing a single paragraph.
  • As a perfectionist, he finds it difficult to delegate tasks because he worries others won't meet his standards.
  • The director's reputation as a perfectionist meant the actors had to do dozens of takes.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Recovering perfectionist": A humorous or self-aware term for someone who is trying to be less perfectionistic.
  • As a recovering perfectionist, I'm learning to accept "good enough."
• Perfectionist as a trait: Often used to describe a characteristic that can be both a strength (high quality work) and a weakness (procrastination, stress).
  • His perfectionist tendencies ensure flawless reports, but they also cause missed deadlines.

Variants and Related Words

• Perfectionism (n): The doctrine or disposition of a perfectionist; the striving for flawlessness.
  • Her perfectionism is both her greatest asset and her biggest source of anxiety.
• Perfectionistic (adj): Having the characteristics of a perfectionist.
  • He has a perfectionistic approach to his craft.

Synonyms

• Stickler: A person who insists on a certain quality or type of behavior.
• Fusspot (informal): A person who is fussy about minor details.
• Precisionist: A person who emphasizes accuracy and minute detail.

Antonyms

• Slacker: A person who avoids work or effort.
• Easygoing person: A person who is relaxed and not easily upset.
• Pragmatist: A person who is practical and focused on achieving results rather than ideal perfection.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A perfectionist's curse: The idea that the drive for perfection leads to unhappiness or paralysis.
  • The perfectionist's curse meant she could never truly enjoy her finished projects.
• To have a perfectionist streak: To occasionally or in certain areas display perfectionist behavior.
  • He has a perfectionist streak when it comes to graphic design, but he's more relaxed about other things.

Noun

1. a person who is displeased by anything that does not meet very high standards