individualist

UK: /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪst/ US: (in′də vij′o̅o̅ ə list)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•di•vid•u•al•ist  (in′də vij′o̅o̅ ə list), n. 

1. a person who shows great independence or individuality in thought or action.
2. Philosophy, Sociology an advocate of individualism.

• individual + -ist 1830–40

in′di•vid′u•al•is′tic, adj. 
in′di•vid′u•al•is′ti•cal•ly, adv. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

individualist / ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlɪst/ noun

1. a person who shows independence and individuality in his or her behaviour, opinions, or actions
2. an advocate of individualism

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•di•vid•u•al•ism /ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒuəˌlɪzəm/   n. [uncountable]

1. Sociology a social theory calling for the liberty of the individual.
2. the principle or habit of independent thought or action.

in•di•vid•u•al•ist, n. [countable]
in•di•vid•u•al•is•tic, adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•di•vid•u•al•ism  (in′də vij′o̅o̅ ə liz′əm), n. 

1. Sociology 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
   • the doctrine that only individual things are real.
   • 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.

• individual + -ism 1825–35