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

American collectivism may be, as Mamdani promised, warmer than rugged individualism. — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

The explosion of bachelorette parties in the three decades since mirrors what happened with weddings in general, influenced by the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, along with the rise of individualism, Montemurro says. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 5 July 2026

There was something about the simple individualism of this turnaround, the way the long complicated game was reduced to one tired man, his will, his execution, that gave it a comic-book hero feel. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Community rather than gonzo individualism will likely be the key to survival. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for individualism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism
• astigmatism

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