yearning for perfection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yearning for perfection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong desire or longing to achieve an ideal state or flawless outcome. Example: "Despite her many accomplishments, she found herself yearning for perfection in every aspect of her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

These bespeak a national yearning for perfection, bodily and otherwise.Sensitive China, perfidious AlbionSome Chinese euphemisms also stem from squeamishness.

The Economist

Wenger will take much of the blame, his yearning for perfection and reluctance to pay over the odds – even in a market where Edinson Cavani costs £48m and Radamel Falcao £55m – retained despite the wealth his club have generated.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In addition, perhaps her drive for power is an unconscious yearning to meet her authoritarian father's demand for perfection, discipline and control.

Huffington Post

They aim for perfection.

The New York Times - Sports

No striving for perfection.

The New York Times - Sports

"Always looking for perfection".

The New York Times - Sports

But strive for perfection.

The New York Times

They go for perfection".

The New York Times - Arts

Push for perfection.

The New York Times

"We strive for perfection.

The New York Times - Sports

He wishes for perfection.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "yearning for perfection", consider the context. It can imply a positive drive for excellence or a negative obsession with unattainable standards. Choose your words carefully to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "yearning for perfection" when a more realistic goal is appropriate. In many situations, striving for improvement or excellence is more practical and achievable than chasing absolute perfection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearning for perfection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "yearning" acts as a gerund modifying "perfection". It describes a state of longing or desire for an unattainable ideal. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it encapsulates the essence of aspiring to faultlessness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yearning for perfection" is a grammatically correct phrase that expresses a strong desire for flawlessness. Although Ludwig indicates that the phrase is not extremely common, it's appropriate for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase can reflect a positive drive for excellence, be mindful of its potential to suggest an unrealistic or obsessive pursuit. Consider alternatives like "longing for excellence" or "striving for flawlessness" to fine-tune the message you intend to deliver.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for the ideal

Focuses specifically on aspiring to a perfect, often unattainable, standard.

striving for flawlessness

Emphasizes the effort and dedication towards achieving a state without imperfections.

desiring idealness

Highlights the wish for something that perfectly embodies an ideal.

desiring complete flawlessness

Underscores a yearning to eliminate all imperfections.

longing for excellence

Focuses on a strong desire to achieve a high standard of quality.

aspiring to impeccable standards

Stresses the act of aiming for standards that are without fault or defect.

seeking ultimate refinement

Highlights the search for the most polished and improved version.

pursuing absolute perfection

Emphasizes the continuous chase to achieve a state of complete flawlessness.

craving utter faultlessness

Focuses on the intense desire to be completely free from errors or defects.

hankering for impeccable quality

Emphasizes a strong craving for faultless quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "yearning for perfection" to describe a strong desire to achieve an ideal state. For example, "Despite her many successes, she still felt a "yearning for perfection" in her work".

What's the difference between "striving for perfection" and "yearning for perfection"?

"Striving for perfection" implies active effort, whereas ""yearning for perfection"" suggests a deep longing, not necessarily accompanied by action.

Are there any negative connotations associated with "yearning for perfection"?

Yes, ""yearning for perfection"" can sometimes imply an unhealthy obsession or an unattainable ideal, leading to disappointment or frustration.

What can I say instead of "yearning for perfection"?

You can use alternatives like "desiring idealness", "longing for excellence", or "striving for flawlessness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.