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

Russo-Netzer refers to Martin Heidegger in her study, one of existentialism’s central figures. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Meursault has long been a household name for students of modern literature or French existentialism, or anyone else who had to read the book in high school. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025

This existentialism is far from the heroic, politically committed, existentialist vision of Sartre and de Beauvoir. —Sheila Heti august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025

Whereas Armah’s novel operates in the sorrowful register of existentialism, Sembène and Cissé’s films revel in the barbed parameters of comedy and trade in the comeuppance of corrupt leaders. —Lovia Gyarkye, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 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