individualist

[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-list]

noun

1. a person who shows great independence or individuality in thought or action.

2. an advocate of individualism.

Other Word Forms

• individualistic adjective
• superindividualist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of individualist¹

First recorded in 1830–40; individual + -ist

Example Sentences

"How do a bunch of individualists and contrarians actually get on with running stuff?" asked one Labour source I was talking to.

From BBC

Diehard patriots who betray their country; anti-elitists who worship billionaires; cold-eyed realists living in a fantasy world; rugged individualists fawning over their divine emperor; affirmers of life who embrace death.

From Salon

I talk about American society as a hyper individualist society.

From Los Angeles Times

“London produces young, individualist designers from all over the UK and who belong to multiple cultures... London supports and seeks out emerging talent like no other city.”

From BBC

The outgoing president rails almost daily against reporters, the middle class, businessmen, social climbers and individualists.

From Seattle Times