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
b
: an individual peculiarity : idiosyncrasy
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
Iraola’s style could be described as collective structure combined with dynamic individualism.
—
Michael Walker, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Flanagan ends the novel by rejecting both individualism and apocalyptic sensationalism.
—Grace Moore, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025
He was continually torn between the forces of individualism—serving himself first, keeping things under control, being the boss—and remembering to account for other people, trying to be a good host.
—Hazlitt, 3 Dec. 2024
Gone was the collective identity felt by a community, replaced with an individualism that gave people a newfound sense of self-worth.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for individualism
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Michael Walker, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Flanagan ends the novel by rejecting both individualism and apocalyptic sensationalism.
—Grace Moore, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025
He was continually torn between the forces of individualism—serving himself first, keeping things under control, being the boss—and remembering to account for other people, trying to be a good host.
—Hazlitt, 3 Dec. 2024
Gone was the collective identity felt by a community, replaced with an individualism that gave people a newfound sense of self-worth.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for individualism
Cite this Entry
“Individualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individualism. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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