An imaginary state of quality distinguished from the actual by an element known as excellence; an attribute of the critic. The editor of an English magazine having received a letter pointing out the erroneous nature of his views and style, and signed "Perfection," promptly wrote at the foot of the letter: "I don't agree with you," and mailed it to Matthew Arnold.

The quality or state of being perfect or complete, so that nothing requisite is wanting; entire development; consummate culture, skill, or moral excellence; the highest attainable state or degree of excellence; maturity; as, perfection in an art, in a science, or in a system; perfection in form or degree; fruits in perfection.

A quality, endowment, or acquirement completely excellent; an ideal faultlessness; especially, the divine attribute of complete excellence.

Though this term often connotes moral faultlessness (sinlessness, without fault), the original term in the New Testament means instead, completion or fullness (telios). Perfection in fruit, for example, is not flawlessness, but fruit that is fully ripe. A perfect rose is not flawless, but one that is in full bloom. In fact unique "imperfections" may even enhance its beauty.

an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept

The unattainable goal of every performance. (See also EXCELLENCE)

Perfection is, broadly, a state of completeness and flawlessness.