existentialism

noun

ex·​is·​ten·​tial·​ism ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm 

ˌek-(ˌ)si-

: a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad

Examples of existentialism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If only the film had the discipline to dial back on some of its thematic ambitions around romance, action, comedy and existentialism, and knew how to quit while ahead. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 18 May 2025

Streaming on Crunchyroll Crunchyroll Also check out: Ghost in the Shell and its sequel film for more existentialism and cyberpunk sci-fi classics. —Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025

The premise explores the recurring theme of existentialism. —George Yang, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025

Questions of friendship and existentialism are explored in director Alexander Ullom’s genre-bending first feature, equal parts terrifying and thought-provoking. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

existential + -ism, in part as translation of German Existentialismus (or Existenzialismus) or French existentialisme

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for existentialism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anabolism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism