perfectionism
UK: pəˈfekʃənɪzəm | US: pərˈfekʃənɪzəm
n. A personal standard or philosophy that demands perfection and rejects anything less.
n. (Psychology) A tendency to set excessively high performance standards, often leading to stress or self-criticism.
The word "perfectionism" derives from the Latin perfectio (completion, flawlessness), via Old French perfection. The root "perfect" (< Latin perfectus, past participle of perficere "to complete") combines per- (thoroughly) + facere (to do/make). The suffix "-ion" nominalizes the adjective, while "-ism" transforms it into a doctrine or practice. Historically, the term evolved from theological ideals of moral purity to its modern psychological connotation of uncompromising self-expectation.
Her perfectionism made her spend hours revising minor details.
Perfectionism can hinder creativity by fostering fear of failure.
The artist’s perfectionism was evident in every brushstroke.
Workplace perfectionism often leads to burnout.
He struggled with perfectionism, never feeling his work was good enough.