English Reference
Noun

individuality

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌɪnˌdɪvɪdʒuˈæɫɪti/ UK /ˌɪndɪvˌɪdjuːˈælɪti/ in·di·vid·u·al·i·ty UK spelling individualities

n.the qualities that make a person or thing different from everyone else.

n.the quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind.


SIMPLE

She expresses her individuality through her unique style of clothing.

CONTEXTUAL

The school encourages students to develop their individuality rather than simply following the crowd.

COMPLEX

In an era of mass production, many consumers seek out handmade goods as a way to assert their own sense of individuality and personal taste.

Usage

Typically used in the abstract sense; when referring to specific traits, 'individual characteristics' is more common.

It created a powerful effect of formlessness and loss of individuality, whether appearing on paintings, sculptures or even the human body – her own or other people’s.

The Guardian· 27 Aug 2026

From individual + -ity.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated