individuality

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

plural individualities

1

a

: total character peculiar to and distinguishing an individual from others

Their modernism has a … determined individuality of style, so that no mature artist can be confused with another …

—John Updike

b

: personality

a child asserting her individuality

2

: separate or distinct existence

… ants … turn out to have no individuality but are only cells of a colony.

—Alison Lurie

3

: individual, person

4

archaic : the quality or state of being indivisible

Synonyms of individuality

• identity
• personality

Examples of individuality in a Sentence

She uses her clothing to express her individuality.

materials that highlight the individuality of each piece in the collection

Recent Examples on the Web

On Reddit, much of the discussion centered on confidence and individuality. —Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

Format aside, at the same time, a parallel obsession has pushed Egyptian Musk scent back into the spotlight (much to the chagrin of my best kept secret and individuality complex). —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026

The ‘purple sky’ era Team above all, individuality yielding to the crest. —Dan Robson, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026

Released in January, the song's candid lyrics tackle Pearce's inner conflict about reconciling the moral standards of religion and individuality. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for individuality

• confidentiality
• constitutionality
• immateriality
• intellectuality
• intersectionality
• intertextuality
• referentiality
• superficiality
• territoriality
• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality

Kids Definition

individuality

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌin-də-ˌvij-ə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

plural individualities

1

: the qualities that make one person or thing different from all others

2

: the quality or state of being an individual