individualism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the quality of being individual
    individuation; individuality.
    • so absorbed by the movement that she lost all sense of individuality
  2. noun a belief in the importance of the individual and the virtue of self-reliance and personal independence
  3. noun the doctrine that government should not interfere in commercial affairs
    laissez faire.

WordNet

In`di*vid"u*al*ism noun
Etymology
Cf. F. individualisme.
Definitions
  1. The quality of being individual; individuality; personality.
  2. An excessive or exclusive regard to one's personal interest; self-interest; selfishness.
    The selfishness of the small proprietor has been described by the best writers as individualism. Ed. Rev.

Webster 1913