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

But somewhere within its staunch individualism, Sweden managed to find an unusual togetherness that weathered a pandemic. —Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Mar. 2025

Part memoir, part manifesto, No One is Self-Made dismantles the myth of individualism in business, reminding us that behind every success story is a network of people contributing to the journey. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025

The club will allow beards beginning this season for the first time in nearly 50 years, changing one of the most notable team rules in American sports in what Chisholm said was a sign of baseball’s progress in accepting individualism. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

With intentionally provocative lyrics, the song takes profane aim at the hypocrisy of anti-LGBTQ+ Christian conservatives, who refuse to respect trans people’s personhood all while applying gender individualism to an ostensibly formless, all-encompassing God. —Abby Monteil, Them, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Rhymes for individualism

• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism
• consequentialism
• contextualism
• conventionalism

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