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
But for Americans, this focus on individualism meant that when job searches failed, applicants took this as a direct reflection of their own self-worth.
—
Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
For Gen X, Joseph described a generation immersed in individualism, materialism, capitalism and consumerism.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
It’s etched into our very bedrock: a fierce individualism.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 July 2025
A lot of my book is about unlearning the tenets of American work culture, that rugged individualism often translates to just being plain old lonely.
—Maris Kreizman
june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for individualism
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Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
For Gen X, Joseph described a generation immersed in individualism, materialism, capitalism and consumerism.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
It’s etched into our very bedrock: a fierce individualism.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 July 2025
A lot of my book is about unlearning the tenets of American work culture, that rugged individualism often translates to just being plain old lonely.
—Maris Kreizman
june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 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 8 Aug. 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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