individuality

American  

[in-duh-vij-oo-al-i-tee] / ˌɪn dəˌvɪdʒ uˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

individualities

1. the particular character, or aggregate of qualities, that distinguishes one person or thing from others; sole and personal nature.

   a person of marked individuality.

2. individualities, individual characteristics.

3. a person or thing of individual or distinctive character.

4. state or quality of being individual; existence as a distinct individual.

5. the interests of the individual as distinguished from the interests of the community.

6. Archaic. state or quality of being indivisible or inseparable.

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individuality British  

/ ˌɪndɪˌvɪdjʊˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. distinctive or unique character or personality

   a work of great individuality

2. the qualities that distinguish one person or thing from another; identity

3. the state or quality of being a separate entity; discreteness

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Related Words

See character.

Other Word Forms

• nonindividuality noun

Etymology

Origin of individuality

First recorded in 1605–15; individual + -ity

Explanation

Whether it’s eating breakfast for lunch, learning Celtic step dancing, building birdhouses from popsicle sticks, showing off your shark tattoo, or speaking with an Australian accent on Tuesdays, all of these things can express your individuality, meaning what makes you unique. Use the noun individuality to refer to the sum total of characteristics that make up a particular individual. Individuality consists of the good, the bad — and even the crazy — that make a person distinct. The word can be describe the state or value of being unique, like the members of a group whose individuality makes for lively discussions, or a having your car painted a special color — neon green, perhaps? — to express the owner's individuality.

Example Sentences

As spring practice gets started, it is not about individuality, Chesney said, but about identifying and correcting mistakes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

And yet, both Andie and Iona shirk their individuality for stability, leaving those singular, oh-so-charming elements of their characters in the dust when wealthy men come calling.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

She’d find her way back, on her terms, setting rules about protecting her health and individuality, and accepting what came her way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Together, these results highlight how domestication shaped the modern cat's voice, turning the meow into a flexible communication tool while leaving the purr as a steady marker of individuality.

From Science Daily • Feb. 11, 2026

If anything, a number in these contexts enhances individuality; no two people have the same credit-card number, for example, whereas many have similar names or personality traits or socioeconomic profiles.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Related Words

• distinctiveness
• eccentricity
• humor
• identity
• idiosyncrasy
• individualism
• oneness
• originality
• temperament
• uniqueness
• unity