individuality

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

plural individualities

1

a

: total character peculiar to and distinguishing an individual from others

Their modernism has a … determined individuality of style, so that no mature artist can be confused with another …

—John Updike

b

: personality

a child asserting her individuality

2

: separate or distinct existence

… ants … turn out to have no individuality but are only cells of a colony.

—Alison Lurie

3

: individual, person

4

archaic : the quality or state of being indivisible

Synonyms of individuality

• identity
• personality

Examples of individuality in a Sentence

She uses her clothing to express her individuality.

materials that highlight the individuality of each piece in the collection

Recent Examples on the Web

Statement accessories, particularly brooches, add a touch of drama and individuality while remaining versatile enough to anchor jackets, dresses, or even scarves. —Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026

Getting plants from in-person plant swaps, neighborhood plant sales, and collectors’ groups on social media reclaims individuality. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026

Across fashion, food, and flow, the strongest throughline of the 2026 wedding season is individuality, expressed not just in dress or color palette, but in how the entire celebration feels to its guests. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026

Vintage Light Fixtures A quick way to update your bathroom and infuse individuality is through light fixtures. —Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for individuality

• confidentiality
• constitutionality
• immateriality
• intellectuality
• intersectionality
• intertextuality
• referentiality
• superficiality
• territoriality
• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality

Kids Definition

individuality

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌin-də-ˌvij-ə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

plural individualities

1

: the qualities that make one person or thing different from all others

2

: the quality or state of being an individual