search for perfection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "search for perfection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the pursuit of an ideal state or the desire to achieve the highest quality in a particular area. Example: "In her artistic journey, she embarked on a relentless search for perfection, striving to refine her skills with each new piece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Hirsch underscores this lack of egotism again and again and traces the flashes of jubilant insight generated from reading and the impassioned search for perfection (and his "perfect" sonnets are all here, from "Bright Star" to "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer") -- and, later, for a more "malleable sonnet" that eventually led to the enduring rhythmic structures of the great odes.

Los Angeles Times

Boys brains are wired to search for perfection and let's be honest, nobody is perfect!

WikiHow

Clearly even for diners the search for perfection is effortful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The search for perfection is the enemy of the good.

Harvard Business Review

Dance, so often, is about the search for perfection.

The Guardian

Yet the search for perfection often leads to just the opposite.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

And for someone who has spent decades searching for perfection on a downhill run, Miller has found the perfect day can be as simple as reading books with Dacey on his boat.

The New York Times - Sports

Should we be searching for perfection anyway?

The Guardian

"Are we searching for perfection, or searching for a particular way we want to stimulate collaboration?" he asks.

The New York Times

You're always fiddling around with it, searching for perfection That must be your life motto?

The Guardian

But Golding's Lord of the Flies doesn't look at a humanity searching for perfection.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the potential downsides of an unrelenting "search for perfection", such as increased stress or missed deadlines. Balance ambition with realism.

Common error

Avoid using "search for perfection" when the context actually implies a desire for progress or improvement. Perfection is an unattainable ideal, while progress is a realistic goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "search for perfection" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of seeking an ideal or flawless state, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "search for perfection" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of seeking an ideal or flawless state. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase sees frequent use across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media, Wiki and Science. While it is generally neutral in tone, it's important to acknowledge as best practice that it can also imply the potential downsides of aiming for an unattainable ideal and, when writing, it is important to be careful and consider if there are better alternatives such as "quest for flawlessness" or "pursuit of excellence" which better convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quest for flawlessness

Emphasizes the pursuit of a state without flaws or defects, highlighting the ambition for ultimate correctness.

pursuit of excellence

Highlights the drive to achieve superior quality and outstanding performance in any given area.

striving for ideal

Focuses on making efforts towards achieving a perfect or ultimate standard or model.

hunt for impeccable

Highlights the action of seeking out something perfect or flawless, with the implication of careful and thorough searching.

yearning for perfection

Focuses on intense longing and desire for an immaculate state.

drive for impeccable

Underscores an internal impetus for a faultless result, stressing motivation and intensity.

craving for perfection

Showcases a need or strong desire to reach a perfect state.

longing for flawless

Underlines the desire for achieving something free of imperfections.

craze for perfection

Implies an excessive and often irrational enthusiasm or obsession to get an immaculate status.

attempt for perfection

It is a bit more literal, it means that an attempt or action is done to obtain a perfect state

FAQs

How can I use "search for perfection" in a sentence?

You can use "search for perfection" to describe someone's relentless pursuit of an ideal state. For example, "His "search for perfection" led him to refine his work constantly".

What phrases are similar to "search for perfection"?

Similar phrases include "quest for flawlessness", "pursuit of excellence", or "striving for ideal", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of aiming for an ideal or flawless state.

Is "search for perfection" always a positive trait?

While admirable, a ""search for perfection"" can be detrimental if it leads to procrastination, burnout, or an inability to accept good enough results. It's important to balance ambition with pragmatism.

When should I avoid using "search for perfection"?

Avoid using "search for perfection" when the context implies progress or improvement rather than an unattainable ideal. In such cases, phrases like "search for improvement" or "striving for better" might be more appropriate.