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

On the other hand, the embrace of individualism held its own postural perils. —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024

In the case of The Matrix, the (not) hidden agenda is just about the importance of individualism. —Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 5 Apr. 2024

Miyake was game, but the Apple team members pushed back, their American individualism riled. —The Editors, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024

Linearity can eclipse creativity, individualism and risk taking—the foundation of some of the best careers that zig-zagging promotes. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

Multiculturalism is an equal part of London’s creative superpower as a fashion city as its individualism. —Sarah Mower, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024

Yet, despite this, the city’s creative individualism shines through. —Sarah Mower, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024

The values created by that shift, such as individualism, are spreading worldwide through education, urbanization, and jobs that take people away from their families. —TIME, 3 Feb. 2024

For all of this insanity and chaotic individualism, the Slabbers seem happier here than in our world. —Jonah Gercke, SPIN, 15 Mar. 2024

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