individualistic

[ in-duh-vij-oo-uh-lis-tik ]

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.

Other Words From

• in·di·vid·u·al·is·ti·cal·ly adverb
• non·in·di·vid·u·al·is·tic adjective
• o·ver·in·di·vid·u·al·is·tic adjective
• o·ver·in·di·vid·u·al·is·ti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of individualistic¹

individualist ( def ) + -ic

Example Sentences

It is also clear to people from other cultures that Americans can be relatively loud, expect things to be given to them, and are pushy and individualistic.

From Salon

"It's something that has already had influence over the past few years - the team always looking for him and also the individualistic way that he approaches this situation," Cunha said.

From BBC

“Artists tend to be individualistic and focused on their own little world,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s clear that loneliness is not unique to high-income countries with individualistic cultures.

From Science Magazine

The lesson of jeong is simple, but it is difficult to implement in our individualistic culture: Relational depth and breadth require some relinquishing of interpersonal boundaries.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• self-absorbed
• selfish