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

Flowy gowns, and darker hues of usually vibrant shades are used possibly to convey the love, despair, rebellion, and individualism the designer mentioned in his show notes. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 13 Feb. 2025

Many times, we are seeped in individualism. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025

Part memoir, part manifesto, No One is Self-Made dismantles the myth of individualism in business, reminding us that behind every success story is a network of people contributing to the journey. —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

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