individualistic

American  

[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-lis-tik] / ˌɪn dəˌvɪdʒ u əˈlɪs tɪk /

adjective

1. prioritizing the pursuit of individual interests or rights rather than common or collective ones.

   In our culture we seem to be moving toward a predominantly individualistic mindset, where egoism is in and altruism is out.

2. showing great independence or individuality in thought or action.

   Never has the nation produced a more brilliantly argumentative, individualistic, or opinionated group of politicians than our founders.

3. Philosophy. of or relating to a belief that all actions are determined by, or for the benefit of, the individual, not society as a whole.

   The attempt to construct a new social order on the basis of individualistic doctrine was bound to fail, because the shared customs and practices that make up the common life of society are too valuable.

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Other Word Forms

• nonindividualistic
  adjective
• overindividualistic
  adjective
• individualistically
  adverb
• overindividualistically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of individualistic

individualist ( def. ) + -ic

Explanation

A person who believes strongly that each of us should be just who we are has an individualistic outlook. If you don't like conformity, then you're individualistic too. Many people believe that our society tries to make us all the same — to like the same food and wear the same clothes. Folks who reject that idea are individualistic. They believe that the most radical thing you can do is be yourself, however different that self may happen to be. The U.S. was known as country of individualists for many years. It's where individualistic people came to invent themselves however they liked. Some say, though, that recently it's grown less individualistic, as people are more afraid to seem different or unique.

Example Sentences

For the last year, BBC Scotland has followed the plight of individuals navigating the homelessness system – and the authorities trying to help them.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2024

In stark contrast, the Eastern Lowland Gorilla faces an alarming decline, with fewer than 6,800 individuals navigating a perilous path through a landscape marred by habitat loss and poaching.

From Salon • Oct. 7, 2023

Across 32 years and more than 1,200 episodes, the original series and its six American spinoffs have offered a gentle critique of law enforcement, presenting a parade of flawed individuals navigating a byzantine justice system.

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2022

But in many cases, lawmakers gave up on the administration-led operation weeks ago, turning instead to their own connections to foreign officials, private organizations and individuals navigating private charter flights in and out of Afghanistan.

From New York Times • Aug. 30, 2021

Life won out — and not just life, but a life that reflected the complicated individuals navigating it.

From New York Times • Dec. 25, 2015

Related Words

• self-absorbed
• selfish