individualism

[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-liz-uhm]

noun

1. a social theory advocating the liberty, rights, or independent action of the individual.

2. the principle or habit of or belief in independent thought or action.

3. the pursuit of individual rather than common or collective interests; egoism.

4. individual character; individuality.

5. an individual peculiarity.

6. Philosophy.

   1. the doctrine that only individual things are real.

   2. the doctrine or belief that all actions are determined by, or at least take place for, the benefit of the individual, not of society as a whole.

individualism

/ ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the action or principle of asserting one's independence and individuality; egoism

2. an individual quirk or peculiarity

3. another word for laissez faire

4. philosophy the doctrine that only individual things exist and that therefore classes or properties have no reality Compare Platonism realism

individualism

1. A view that stresses the importance and worth of each person. In economics, it is the doctrine that individuals best serve the public interest by pursuing their own self-interest. For example, the businessman who expands his company to increase his profits also creates jobs for many people and thereby serves the public interest. (See laissez-faire.)

Other Word Forms

• overindividualism noun
• superindividualism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of individualism¹

First recorded in 1825–35; individual + -ism

Example Sentences

The myth of individualism and “pulling oneself up by the bootstraps” rarely stands a chance against those realities.

From Salon

Torres uses blue and red to exemplify his anti-capitalist stance by endearingly explaining how those with extreme wealth maneuver tax evasion, how governments allow and excuse war crimes, and how pervasive individualism prevents progress.

From Los Angeles Times

Latino voters consistently defy political expectations and resist being taken for granted by either party, demonstrating what the author terms “rancho libertarianism” - a blend of community values and individualism that makes them politically unpredictable.

From Los Angeles Times

The fabric has long been shorthand for rugged individualism and the everyday workwear mythos of the American frontier — in other words, a different, portable performance of Americana.

From Salon

As much as the region has been defined by sprawl and individualism, it has also fostered community and culture in both new ways and old: Little Bangladesh, Little Ethiopia, Little Armenia, Frogtown, El Sereno, Watts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• individuality