individualism

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ism ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-ˌli-zəm 

-ˈvij-wə-,

-ˈvi-jə-ˌli-

1

a(1)

: a doctrine that the interests of the individual are or ought to be ethically paramount

also : conduct guided by such a doctrine

(2)

: the conception that all values, rights, and duties originate in individuals

b

: a theory maintaining the political and economic independence of the individual and stressing individual initiative, action, and interests

also : conduct or practice guided by such a theory

2

a

: individuality

b

: an individual peculiarity : idiosyncrasy

Synonyms

• crotchet
• curiosity
• eccentricity
• erraticism
• idiosyncrasy
• kink
• mannerism
• oddity
• peculiarity
• quiddity
• quip
• quirk
• singularity
• tic
• trick
• twist

Examples of individualism in a Sentence

a society that believes strongly in individualism

He was respected for his self-reliance and individualism.

Recent Examples on the Web

As fierce individualism comes into play here, many dairy producers ask, What strings will be attached to reporting, and how will this affect my daily operation? —Kay Russo, Scientific American, 11 June 2024

Sons of Anarchy, at its best, didn’t try to make any grand statements about right and wrong, men and women, community and individualism. —Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 June 2024

As Scott mentioned, the tradition of American individualism doesn’t help. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 3 June 2024

Russia’s liberals, by contrast, tend to offer a messianic individualism that is unappealing to most people. —Jade McGlynn, Foreign Affairs, 17 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Kids Definition

individualism

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ism ˌin-də-ˈvij(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm 

-ˈvij-ə-ˌliz-

1

: a belief that the interests of the individual are of the greatest importance

2

: a belief that the individual has political or economic rights with which the state must not interfere