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

• trick
• trait
• characteristic
• mannerism
• eccentricity
• singularity
• idiosyncrasy
• habit
• peculiarity
• quirk
• curiosity
• 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 cowboy, that paragon of rugged individualism, stands for stoicism and a wordless sweaty brotherhood. —Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025

Samson is certainly at the vanguard of one of the various ideological projects in the Trump coalition, a rejection of liberalism and individualism that’s been associated with conservative Catholic thinkers. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 22 June 2025

For all their quality and individualism going forward, Madrid have problems further back. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

Its rise reflects American values of individualism and efficiency but also a deeper yearning for identity through food. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 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