rugged individualism

noun

: the practice or advocacy of individualism in social and economic relations emphasizing personal liberty and independence, self-reliance, resourcefulness, self-direction of the individual, and free competition in enterprise

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rugged individualism was in 1898

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Dictionary Entries Near rugged individualism

Cite this Entry

“Rugged individualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rugged%20individualism. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

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