Fastidiousness

Fastidiousness is the state of being excessively particular, critical, or demanding; especially of personal cleanliness, order, or detail. It often manifests as an extreme sensitivity to unpleasantness, mess, or imperfection. Individuals exhibiting fastidiousness typically strive for perfection and may become irritated or anxious when standards are not met. The word implies a meticulous and sometimes fussy attention to detail, potentially leading to behaviors perceived as overly meticulous or even obsessive. It contrasts with a more relaxed or tolerant approach to standards and cleanliness.

Fastidiousness meaning with examples

• Her fastidiousness extended to her apartment; every surface gleamed, and even the placement of cushions on the sofa was carefully considered. Guests sometimes felt intimidated by the sheer perfection, afraid to disrupt the immaculate order. The unwavering attention to detail was both admired and occasionally exasperating, reflecting her inner need for control.
• The chef's fastidiousness about the quality of ingredients was legendary; only the freshest, most perfectly ripened produce would grace his kitchen. He would inspect every item with a critical eye, rejecting anything that fell short of his exacting standards. This dedication, though demanding, ultimately resulted in dishes of exceptional quality.
• His fastidiousness about his appearance meant he was always impeccably dressed and groomed. A single misplaced hair or crease in his clothing would send him scrambling to correct it. While admired for his professionalism, some colleagues found his constant self-monitoring to be a little distracting.
• Her fastidiousness in choosing a partner led to many failed relationships; she had such a specific checklist of desirable traits that very few people ever truly measured up. The meticulousness of her selection process ultimately created a very lonely personal life.