individuality
Americannoun
-
the particular character, or aggregate of qualities, that distinguishes one person or thing from others; sole and personal nature.
a person of marked individuality.
-
individualities, individual characteristics.
-
a person or thing of individual or distinctive character.
-
state or quality of being individual; existence as a distinct individual.
-
the interests of the individual as distinguished from the interests of the community.
-
Archaic. state or quality of being indivisible or inseparable.
noun
-
distinctive or unique character or personality
a work of great individuality
-
the qualities that distinguish one person or thing from another; identity
-
the state or quality of being a separate entity; discreteness
Related Words
See character.
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing individuality
Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 4)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 3)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 4)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"He offers a sense of fun, confidence and an aura of competence rooted in individuality and that gives him a different kind of power."
From BBC • May 5, 2026
"We're seeing what's possible when individuality is embraced, not coached out," he concludes.
From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026
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
The film is also a deceptively heartwarming ode to self-expression, and the kind of life that can be cobbled together with an unyielding commitment to individuality.
From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026
She loved music, and, like many teenagers, she longed for individuality and independence.
From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
