individualism

American  

[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-liz-uhm] / ˌɪn dəˈvɪdʒ u əˌlɪz əm /

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.

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individualism British  

/ 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

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individualism Cultural  

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.)

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Other Word Forms

• overindividualism noun
• superindividualism noun

Etymology

Origin of individualism

First recorded in 1825–35; individual + -ism

Explanation

Individualism is all about taking care of yourself; it is the belief and practice that every person is unique and self-reliant. A belief in individualism also implies that you believe that the government should bud out of your individual affairs. The concept of individualism is rooted in historical contexts where people’s personal differences were dismissed or even punished by the ruling body. In particular, the United States is known for having a strong bent towards individualism because it was founded by people who sought the freedom to practice whatever religion they chose. The counterpoints to individualism are socialism and communism (among others). Those who prefer individualism often site fear of governmental control over their life decisions as reason for that inclination.

Example Sentences

And as we’re questioning our long-held beliefs about “sink or swim” individualism and intellectual elitism, this is also an interrupter.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Researchers say the trend is part of a broader move toward individualism among urban professionals, particularly women.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

In a study examining culturally competent treatments for Asian Americans, Hall and co-author Janie Hong explain that Western-based approaches tend to emphasize individualism and personal reflection.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Some historians find its origins in the secular individualism of the 18th-century Enlightenment, or in the earlier political thought of John Locke or Thomas Hobbes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

The country that scores highest on the individualism end of that scale is the United States.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• individuality