perfection

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "perfection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been done very well, or something that has been done to the best possible degree. For example: "She had achieved perfection in the art of pastry making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

italrest.com, from $40 a night This is pretty much the definition of off-the-beaten-track perfection, at the end of a pot-holed lane that peters away into a dirt track overlooking a deserted cove.

The Guardian - Travel

Plus it helps create a buffer zone around you to protect you from all of the rubbish we have to deal with on a daily basis that makes us question our self worth, such as air-brushed images of so-called perfection.

The Guardian

I was thinking about how to bring the cosiness of knitwear together with Balenciaga, which has such rigour and perfection in its lines".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And at a mere two minutes, the mordant hilarity and conceptual perfection of Dutch mortality study A Single Life exceeds what many films achieve in 90 or more.

The Guardian - Film

It's a shade soft – I'd put it in the freezer over dinner for perfection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was not flawless; but then he was not aiming for perfection.

The Guardian - Sport

He dropped out of school and isolated himself, but, via the internet, developed new attachments, to a world far away, to an ideal of earthly perfection, the caliphate run by Isis.

The Guardian

Bilardi managed to find moral perfection in beheadings, sexual slavery and attacks on priceless artefacts from the past.

The Guardian

The food is great, mainly grilled fish and seafood cooked to perfection, and the wine list is huge.

The Guardian - Travel

Many had been brought to a peak of perfection in their trade in the US itself or in its bases in the Panama canal zone by US instructors.

The Guardian

At some point – quietly, without ceremony and certainly at no one's urgent request – Zac Efron morphed from a fibreglass facsimile of matinee-idol perfection circa 1957 into rather a good actor.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perfection" to describe a high standard or goal, but be mindful that striving for absolute "perfection" can sometimes be unrealistic or counterproductive. Consider focusing on excellence or improvement instead.

Common error

Avoid setting unattainable standards. Insisting on "perfection" in every task can lead to stress, burnout, and a fear of failure. Prioritize progress and continuous improvement over the illusion of faultlessness.

Linguistic Context

The word "perfection" primarily functions as a noun, representing the state of being complete and flawless. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It refers to the highest attainable standard, as shown in examples like "conceptual "perfection"" or "pursuit of culinary "perfection"" from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perfection" is a noun denoting the state of being flawless or complete. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usability. While striving for "perfection" can be a motivator, it's essential to balance this with a realistic view of attainability. This guide provides insights into its proper usage, common errors to avoid, and semantically related alternatives like "flawlessness" and "ideal state". Its frequent appearance in News & Media highlights its relevance across diverse topics, though it's important to consider the context and potential for overuse. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its application in various situations, from describing culinary achievements to conceptual ideals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawlessness

This term emphasizes the absence of any defects or imperfections.

ideal state

This refers to a condition or situation that is considered the best possible, often unattainable in reality.

ideal standard

This phrase suggests a benchmark of excellence that serves as a goal to strive for.

absolute excellence

This highlights that the excellence is total and without exception.

ultimate achievement

This highlights the culmination of effort and skill, resulting in the highest level of success.

highest caliber

This refers to the highest level of skill or quality achievable.

ideal completion

This suggests a state where something is fully and perfectly finalized.

exemplary quality

This emphasizes the outstanding and superior nature of something.

consummate skill

This describes skill that is highly developed and perfectly executed.

unblemished record

This describes a history or performance free from any faults or errors.

FAQs

How can I use the word "perfection" in a sentence?

You can use "perfection" to describe something that has reached the highest possible standard, like "The chef aimed for "perfection" in every dish" or "Her performance was an exercise in "perfection".

What are some words I can use instead of "perfection"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "excellence", "flawlessness", or "consummation".

Is it better to aim for "perfection" or continuous improvement?

While striving for "perfection" can be a motivator, focusing on continuous "improvement" is often more realistic and sustainable. It acknowledges that there's always room to grow and learn.

Can "perfection" ever be truly achieved?

"Perfection" is often seen as an ideal, and whether it can be truly achieved is debatable. It largely depends on the context and the criteria being used to define "perfection".