individualism
noun
in·di·vid·u·al·ism
ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-ˌli-zəm 
-ˈvij-wə-,
-ˈvi-jə-ˌli-
1
a(1)
: a doctrine that the interests of the individual are or ought to be ethically paramount
also
: conduct guided by such a doctrine
(2)
: the conception that all values, rights, and duties originate in individuals
b
: a theory maintaining the political and economic independence of the individual and stressing individual initiative, action, and interests
also
: conduct or practice guided by such a theory
2
a
b
: an individual peculiarity : idiosyncrasy
Synonyms
Examples of individualism in a Sentence
a society that believes strongly in individualism
He was respected for his self-reliance and individualism.
Recent Examples on the Web
By the ensuing decades, individualism morphed from these personal freedoms into placing a premium on one’s uniqueness and personal choice.
—
Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Organizational leaders need to build a culture of trust and transparency, educating employees on how to be skeptical consumers and conveyors of truth—celebrating the nationalism that connects them across the organization while also celebrating the individualism that often drives innovation.
—Steve Durbin, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Independent self-construal emphasizes individualism, direct communication or expression of thoughts, individual uniqueness, and internal features like a person’s abilities and feelings.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024
Xi’s rhetoric should not be misinterpreted as endorsing an ideology of rugged individualism in China.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
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Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Organizational leaders need to build a culture of trust and transparency, educating employees on how to be skeptical consumers and conveyors of truth—celebrating the nationalism that connects them across the organization while also celebrating the individualism that often drives innovation.
—Steve Durbin, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Independent self-construal emphasizes individualism, direct communication or expression of thoughts, individual uniqueness, and internal features like a person’s abilities and feelings.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024
Xi’s rhetoric should not be misinterpreted as endorsing an ideology of rugged individualism in China.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for individualism
Dictionary Entries Near individualism
Cite this Entry
“Individualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individualism. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
individualism
noun
in·di·vid·u·al·ism
ˌin-də-ˈvij(ə-)wə-ˌliz-əm
-ˈvij-ə-ˌliz-
1
: a belief that the interests of the individual are of the greatest importance
2
: a belief that the individual has political or economic rights with which the state must not interfere
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