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

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

Etymology

Origin of individualistic

individualist ( def. ) + -ic

Example Sentences

"We live in an increasingly individualistic society. I think loneliness is a symptom of our failure to care for each other."

From BBC

The pioneer women were really the ones struggling, holding things together and not given a lot of rugged, individualistic points while their husbands were out shooting.

From Salon

Yet the individualistic approach of many countries, and vaccine shortages, are contributing to the global problem.

From Seattle Times

That it has huge individual benefit is undeniable but viewing vaccination through this reductive, individualistic lens fundamentally distorts the reality that it is about much more than protecting oneself.

From The Guardian

For such people, their faith is individualistic, largely free of structures, rules or the approval of clergy.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• self-absorbed
• selfish