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 of individualism

• trick
• trait
• characteristic
• mannerism
• eccentricity
• singularity
• idiosyncrasy
• habit
• peculiarity
• quirk
• curiosity
• 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

The proprietary insights and statistics cited throughout—such as the finding that 61 percent of people dress up for confidence or that 8 in 10 people repeat the same outfits—are derived from this research framework, further to illustrate the industry’s move toward inclusive individualism. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 22 Dec. 2025

The idea of literature as an expression of a writer’s individualism is a modern invention, however. —Vauhini Vara, New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2025

So begins this story of individualism and responsibility. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 Dec. 2025

Her interlocutors, who come from other nations and cultural backgrounds, can also listen to Carol’s stubborn insistence on individualism and gently undermine her blinkered American assumption. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 Nov. 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