noun
Common
perfection
p-FEHK-shuhn
Perfection (noun) means the state of being completely free from flaws; the highest possible standard. Example: “The cake looked like perfection, but it tasted even better than it looked.”
noun
1
The state of being completely free from flaws; the highest possible standard.
"The cake looked like perfection, but it tasted even better than it looked."
"The chef strives for perfection in every dish he serves."
"No one expects perfection, just your best effort."
How to use perfection
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe ideal state where nothing is wrong or lacking.
Common pairings
strive for perfection
to perfection
a state of perfection
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Word forms
- Plural
- perfections
- Third person singular
- perfections
- Past tense
- perfectioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cake looked like _____, but it tasted even better than it looked.
Etymology
From Old French perfection, from Latin perfectio, "a finishing, completion", from perficere ("to complete").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for perfection
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for perfection →
Frequently asked questions
What does “perfection” mean?
The word “perfection” means the state of being completely free from flaws; the highest possible standard. In plain terms, the ideal state where nothing is wrong or lacking.
How do you pronounce “perfection”?
“Perfection” is pronounced p-FEHK-shuhn (/pɚˈfɛk.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “perfection” in a sentence?
Here is “perfection” used in a sentence: “The chef strives for perfection in every dish he serves.”
What is another word for “perfection”?
Words with a similar meaning to “perfection” include faultlessness, flawlessness, impeccability and infallibility.
What part of speech is “perfection”?
“Perfection” is a noun.
Where does the word “perfection” come from?
The word “perfection” comes from Latin. From Old French perfection, from Latin perfectio, "a finishing, completion", from perficere ("to complete").
Is “perfection” a common word?
“Perfection” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between perfection and excellence?
Excellence means outstandingly high quality, but it is a relative standard — something can be excellent while still having minor flaws. Perfection is absolute: the state of being completely free from flaws and meeting the highest possible standard. In everyday praise, excellent is common, while perfect implies nothing at all could be improved.
What is the difference between perfection and perfectionism?
Perfection is a state: being completely free from flaws. Perfectionism is a personal tendency or mindset — refusing to accept any standard short of perfection. A perfectionist pursues perfection, often even in situations where a flawless result is not realistically achievable.
What is the verb form of perfection?
The related verb is "perfect," meaning to make something completely free from flaws, as in "she spent years perfecting her technique." The word family also includes the adjective "perfect" and the adverb "perfectly," with "perfection" serving as the noun.
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