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
b
: an individual peculiarity : idiosyncrasy
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
Today’s young generation is looking to enhance their skills, apply their creativity and apply their individualism.
—
David Moin, Footwear News, 28 May 2026
That was the way I was raised, also with the idea of rugged individualism.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 24 May 2026
That type of self-reliance and rugged individualism — as different as everybody is, most Americans have some belief in that idea.
—Charley Crockett, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026
When Alexis de Tocqueville came to the United States in the early 19th century to study the political system of a nascent nation, he was struck by the depth of Americans’ individualism.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for individualism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Moin, Footwear News, 28 May 2026
That was the way I was raised, also with the idea of rugged individualism.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 24 May 2026
That type of self-reliance and rugged individualism — as different as everybody is, most Americans have some belief in that idea.
—Charley Crockett, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026
When Alexis de Tocqueville came to the United States in the early 19th century to study the political system of a nascent nation, he was struck by the depth of Americans’ individualism.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for individualism
Cite this Entry
“Individualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individualism. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
