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
Synonyms
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 movie’s thesis was that Byzantium had been irrevocably undermined even before Ottoman armies conquered it in 1453, its religious culture and resolve eroded by the individualism of the encroaching West.
—
Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024
Like Chantal Mouffe, a theorist of leftist populism and a friend of Mélenchon’s, Mélenchon believes that voters have become demoralized by a technocratic neoliberal consensus: the primacy of markets and social values that favor individualism over the collective good.
—Elisabeth Zerofsky, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024
On the other hand, the embrace of individualism held its own postural perils.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
In the case of The Matrix, the (not) hidden agenda is just about the importance of individualism.
—Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 5 Apr. 2024
Miyake was game, but the Apple team members pushed back, their American individualism riled.
—The Editors, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024
Linearity can eclipse creativity, individualism and risk taking—the foundation of some of the best careers that zig-zagging promotes.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024
Multiculturalism is an equal part of London’s creative superpower as a fashion city as its individualism.
—Sarah Mower, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024
Yet, despite this, the city’s creative individualism shines through.
—Sarah Mower, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024
Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024
Like Chantal Mouffe, a theorist of leftist populism and a friend of Mélenchon’s, Mélenchon believes that voters have become demoralized by a technocratic neoliberal consensus: the primacy of markets and social values that favor individualism over the collective good.
—Elisabeth Zerofsky, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024
On the other hand, the embrace of individualism held its own postural perils.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
In the case of The Matrix, the (not) hidden agenda is just about the importance of individualism.
—Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 5 Apr. 2024
Miyake was game, but the Apple team members pushed back, their American individualism riled.
—The Editors, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024
Linearity can eclipse creativity, individualism and risk taking—the foundation of some of the best careers that zig-zagging promotes.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024
Multiculturalism is an equal part of London’s creative superpower as a fashion city as its individualism.
—Sarah Mower, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024
Yet, despite this, the city’s creative individualism shines through.
—Sarah Mower, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'individualism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near individualism
Cite this Entry
“Individualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individualism. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
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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