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

By the ensuing decades, individualism morphed from these personal freedoms into placing a premium on one’s uniqueness and personal choice. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

Organizational leaders need to build a culture of trust and transparency, educating employees on how to be skeptical consumers and conveyors of truth—celebrating the nationalism that connects them across the organization while also celebrating the individualism that often drives innovation. —Steve Durbin, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Independent self-construal emphasizes individualism, direct communication or expression of thoughts, individual uniqueness, and internal features like a person’s abilities and feelings. —Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024

Xi’s rhetoric should not be misinterpreted as endorsing an ideology of rugged individualism in China. —Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 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