individualism

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ism ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-ˌli-zəm 

-ˈvij-wə-,

-ˈvi-jə-ˌli-

1

a(1)

: a doctrine that the interests of the individual are or ought to be ethically paramount

also : conduct guided by such a doctrine

(2)

: the conception that all values, rights, and duties originate in individuals

b

: a theory maintaining the political and economic independence of the individual and stressing individual initiative, action, and interests

also : conduct or practice guided by such a theory

2

a

: individuality

b

: an individual peculiarity : idiosyncrasy

Synonyms

• crotchet
• curiosity
• eccentricity
• erraticism
• idiosyncrasy
• kink
• mannerism
• oddity
• peculiarity
• quiddity
• quip
• quirk
• singularity
• tic
• trick
• twist

Examples of individualism in a Sentence

a society that believes strongly in individualism

He was respected for his self-reliance and individualism.

Recent Examples on the Web

There is a focus on teamwork and having your performance be for the greater good, rather than the individualism that American players are known for. —Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2024

Who takes responsibility for public health measures in the United States today emerges from a widely fragmented patchwork of incomplete administrative policies and political authorities that compete with fundamental ideals of free speech, individualism, and personal liberty. —Mario Ramirez, STAT, 11 July 2024

But there’s another, arguably more important factor, says INSEAD’s Mortensen: a national culture of individualism. —Beth Greenfield, Fortune Europe, 2 July 2024

In fact, analysis by the international economists behind the G-SWA suggests that two-thirds of the variance between countries can be explained by their level of collectivism versus individualism. —Beth Greenfield, Fortune Europe, 2 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Kids Definition

individualism

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ism ˌin-də-ˈvij(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm 

-ˈvij-ə-ˌliz-

1

: a belief that the interests of the individual are of the greatest importance

2

: a belief that the individual has political or economic rights with which the state must not interfere