individualism

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ism ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce individualism (audio)
-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
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
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.
The myth of rugged individualism, or going it alone, is outdated and was never completely accurate in the first place. Todd Villeneuve, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Versions of this politics have already gained adherents in the United States, Europe, and Latin America in the past decade, as liberal individualism has been increasingly called into question. Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Like the United States, Australia is a young nation with a culture of frontier individualism. David Newheiser, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2025 The valley has long leaned Democratic, but with an unusual political mix: a general dislike of getting too involved in Washington’s business coupled with an at-times contradictory mix of libertarian individualism, Bay Area activism and belief in the ability of science to solve the world’s problems. Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for individualism

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of individualism was in 1815

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Cite this Entry

“Individualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individualism. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

individualism

noun
in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ism ˌin-də-ˈvij(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce individualism (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on individualism

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