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

The casting was diverse and inclusive, embracing a range of identities and backgrounds that reflect the true spirit of the U.K. There was also a distinct British punk edge to many of the collections, and a sense of rebellion, of individualism, that is unmistakably part of British fashion. —Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025

Dispelling the myth of individualism According to various studies, a significant portion of entrepreneurs experience burnout, with data suggesting that 72% of entrepreneurs struggle with mental health issues, including burnout. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025

Our health care system nurtures a kind of individualism that leads some to question experts and assume their own risks. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025

But as Daniel Goleman writes in his book Social Intelligence, in a society that puts too much emphasis on individualism, the power of the social brain often gets suppressed and overlooked. —Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for individualism

• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism
• consequentialism
• contextualism
• conventionalism

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