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

At its core, The Grauer School thrives on a student-forward approach, honoring the individuality of young learners. —Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2026

It’s gone beyond just expressing his individuality as a hyper-competitive basketball revolution. —Jared Weiss, New York Times, 5 June 2026

Blending aristocratic grandeur with youthful energy, the imagery aims to celebrate individuality rather than uniformity, the company noted. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 3 June 2026

This summer's biggest hair trends are all about embracing individuality while keeping hair effortless, touchable, and wearable in everyday life. —Amanda Le, InStyle, 2 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