individuality

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

plural individualities

1

a

: total character peculiar to and distinguishing an individual from others

Their modernism has a … determined individuality of style, so that no mature artist can be confused with another …

—John Updike

b

: personality

a child asserting her individuality

2

: separate or distinct existence

… ants … turn out to have no individuality but are only cells of a colony.

—Alison Lurie

3

: individual, person

4

archaic : the quality or state of being indivisible

Synonyms of individuality

• identity
• personality

Examples of individuality in a Sentence

She uses her clothing to express her individuality.

materials that highlight the individuality of each piece in the collection

Recent Examples on the Web

Richardson has frequently spoken about inclusion, respect, and individuality, but there is no known statement specifically addressing male athletes competing in women’s events. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

As the merger moves forward, Carmack said that respect, to him, would look like allowing the schools to share resources but maintain their individuality. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

The campaign — which highlights the new Ultra Mini Bailey Bow shoe style — celebrates the artistic communities that define back-to-school and highlights the confidence gained from embracing individuality. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

But their life cycle provides ample food for poetic reflection on the meaning of life, on individuality and community, and on loss and the ever-present possibility of renewal. — Richard Schiffman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for individuality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality

Kids Definition

individuality

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌin-də-ˌvij-ə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

plural individualities

1

: the qualities that make one person or thing different from all others

2

: the quality or state of being an individual