perfectionist
Never satisfied type
A perfectionist is someone who refuses to accept anything less than flawless.
The term usually carries a mild criticism—perfectionists may produce excellent work but at the cost of time, flexibility, or their own peace of mind: She's such a perfectionist that she rewrote the email six times.
Some wear the label proudly; others recognize it as a polite word for obsessive.
Focused on small elements
- thoroughComplete in every detail
- scrupulousThorough and principled
- fastidiousExcessively attentive to detail
- preciseExactly correct, no error
careful · diligent · punctilious · methodical · orderly · organized · systematic · conscientious
Inclined to criticize others
- hypercriticalExcessively prone to censure
- faultfinderOne who criticizes constantly
- demandingRequiring great effort
- unforgivingShowing no leniency
harsh · overcritical · pedantic · nitpicky · censorious · disapproving · self-critical · scrutinizing
Unable to stop oneself
- neuroticExcessively anxious or obsessive
- anxiousTroubled by uncertainty
- fixatedObsessively attached or focused
- overzealousExcessively fervent or eager
rigid · inflexible · uncompromising · obsessive-compulsive · monomaniacal · driven · relentless · workaholic
Entirely without fault
- immaculateCompletely without blemish
- pristinePure and untouched
- unblemishedFree from any defect
- spotlessCompletely free of marks
impeccable · faultless · excellence · paragon · epitome · pinnacle · masterpiece · exemplary
Skilled manual tradesperson
- craftsmanSkilled manual worker
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- masterAuthority or controller
- expertHighly skilled practitioner
specialist · connoisseur · aficionado · purist · stickler · aesthete · auteur · maven
detail-oriented
Focused on small elements
- thoroughComplete in every detail
- scrupulousThorough and principled
- fastidiousExcessively attentive to detail
precise · careful · diligent · punctilious · methodical · orderly · organized · systematic · conscientious · particular
judgmental
Inclined to criticize others
- hypercriticalExcessively prone to censure
- faultfinderOne who criticizes constantly
- demandingRequiring great effort
unforgiving · harsh · overcritical · pedantic · nitpicky · censorious · disapproving · self-critical · scrutinizing · exacting
compulsive
Unable to stop oneself
- neuroticExcessively anxious or obsessive
- anxiousTroubled by uncertainty
- fixatedObsessively attached or focused
overzealous · rigid · inflexible · uncompromising · obsessive-compulsive · monomaniacal · driven · relentless · workaholic · micromanager
flawless
Entirely without fault
- immaculateCompletely without blemish
- pristinePure and untouched
- unblemishedFree from any defect
spotless · impeccable · faultless · excellence · paragon · epitome · pinnacle · masterpiece · exemplary · consummate
artisan
Skilled manual tradesperson
expert · specialist · connoisseur · aficionado · purist · stickler · aesthete · auteur · maven · devotee
- Overachieversgo-getter, overachiever, striver, valedictorian, honor student
- neat freaksneat freak, clean freak, germaphobe, germaphobes, tidiers
- compulsivesobsessive, neurotic, control freak, neat freak, clean freak
- driven peoplego-getter, striver, hustler, dynamo, eager beaver
- Fussy traitsfussy, nitpicking, finicky, persnickety, pernickety
- Perfectionistsnitpicker, pedant, stickler, precisionist, neat freak
perfectionistslacker
Idle responsibility evader
underachiever · slob · loafer · shirker · coaster
perfectionistsatisficer
One accepting adequate outcomes
pragmatist · realist · imperfectionist · finisher · completionist
perfectionism, perfectionists, perfectionistic, imperfectionist