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

Some Washington watchers have praised her for what they call her independence and individualism, while others say her accomplishments fall short of previous first ladies such as Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Reagan.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

Solo travel bookings on platforms like Trip.com Group rose over 20% year-over-year in 2024, reflecting a shift towards individualism.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 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

Americans have historically been hyperfocused on individualism, which can make community-oriented thinking difficult.

From Salon • Sep. 16, 2025

He lost his wife and son to an epidemic carried by the soldiery, his royal patron was deposed, and he was excommunicated by the Lutheran Church for his uncompromising individualism on matters of doctrine.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• individuality