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

Through these gatherings, Charlotte continues to show its commitment to building a community where differences are embraced, individuality is celebrated and inclusion remains at the center of bringing people together. —Amari Riley june 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026

And importantly, don’t remove all personality, because a bit of individuality is often what makes a CV credible. —Aaron Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

The result is a refined eclecticism that captures the soul of the home and reflects its owner's individuality. —Sophie Aliece Hollis, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026

The data suggests consumers are increasingly moving beyond a diamond-first framework toward color, meaning and individuality. —Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 11 June 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