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
The club will allow beards beginning this season for the first time in nearly 50 years, changing one of the most notable team rules in American sports in what Chisholm said was a sign of baseball’s progress in accepting individualism.
—
Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
With intentionally provocative lyrics, the song takes profane aim at the hypocrisy of anti-LGBTQ+ Christian conservatives, who refuse to respect trans people’s personhood all while applying gender individualism to an ostensibly formless, all-encompassing God.
—Abby Monteil, Them, 24 Mar. 2025
Infectious diseases, by nature, exploit individualism; their version of liberty is to find the unprotected, and spread more freely.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
While self-investment is important, true leadership transcends individualism.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for individualism
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Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
With intentionally provocative lyrics, the song takes profane aim at the hypocrisy of anti-LGBTQ+ Christian conservatives, who refuse to respect trans people’s personhood all while applying gender individualism to an ostensibly formless, all-encompassing God.
—Abby Monteil, Them, 24 Mar. 2025
Infectious diseases, by nature, exploit individualism; their version of liberty is to find the unprotected, and spread more freely.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
While self-investment is important, true leadership transcends individualism.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 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 24 Apr. 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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