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

Even with the unified effort, both Moore’s and Willis’ looks retained their individuality. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

In the case of Aries, for instance, this Fire sign has everything to do with individuality, assertion and the raw instinct to act on one’s desires. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

The focus shifts away from the sitter’s individuality and toward the richness and refinement of his attire, which undoubtedly conveys his status and pride. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Basically, punk is like a blueprint for people to find their own individuality. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 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