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

Expect coffee shops doubling as gallery spaces, indie venues hosting weekend shows and a community that prizes individuality. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026

As a teenager, my desire to express my individuality began to emerge. —Maria Giesbrecht, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026

So the gap is, just look at the numbers again, the gap is that employers want workers to care about winning and working, and Gen Z employees care about self-care and individuality. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 May 2026

Funny, eccentric and eager to tell a story, Sterling’s individuality sometimes drew the wrath of critics and listeners. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for individuality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality

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