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

Cell phone covers — in a wide range of colors and designs — have become one more way for people to express their individuality. —Carla Hinton, Oklahoman, 4 Feb. 2026

The spring campaign explores New York not simply as a backdrop, but as a mindset — one shaped by purpose, presence and individuality. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026

Being a competitive dancer, you’re focused on being in tune with your whole team and there’s not a lot of room for individuality. —Jason Mastrodonato, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026

Without clinginess or intensity, attraction becomes a result of one’s individuality, confidence and eccentricity. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 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