individuality

individuality — noun

1. the combination of characteristics that gives a person, group, or thing its own

1.nounB2
Definition

the combination of characteristics that gives a person, group, or thing its own unique identity and sets it apart from everything else of the same kind

Example

Ada's sense of individuality shone through her colourful handmade clothes.

possessive + individuality + verb of expression

The small café kept its individuality even after the big chain bought it.

keep + individuality (maintain uniqueness despite change)

Common collocations
  • express one's individuality
  • individuality shines through
  • lose one's individuality
  • preserve one's individuality
  • strong individuality
  • fierce individuality
  • sense of individuality
Synonyms
  • distinctiveness

    focuses on the quality of being clearly different; more neutral than individuality

  • uniqueness

    stronger emphasis on being one of a kind; often used for objects or works as well as people

  • originality

    used mainly for creative works, ideas, or approaches; implies inventiveness

  • character

    used for places, institutions, or things; suggests a memorable or special quality

Antonyms
  • conformity

    behaviour that follows accepted rules or customs rather than standing out

  • sameness

    lack of variety or distinction; the quality of being identical to others

Grammar Patterns

possessive + individuality

individuality of + noun

Usage Note

Typically used as an uncountable noun. Often appears in discussions of personal expression versus social conformity or organisational culture. Can describe people, groups, institutions, or creative works.

Common Mistakes

Each employee has their own individualities.
Each employee has their own individuality.
individuality is uncountable and does not take a plural form.
Her strong individuality makes her popular at parties.
Her strong personality makes her popular at parties.
personality refers to social and behavioural traits; individuality emphasises what makes someone distinct.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All five words describe what sets something apart, but they differ in scope and connotation. Individuality is the broadest term — it emphasises the total combination of traits that define a person or thing as separate from others. Distinctiveness focuses on the degree to which something stands out; a distinctive feature may be just one quality among many. Uniqueness is stronger, implying that something is the only one of its kind — it carries a sense of rarity that individuality does not require. Originality applies mainly to ideas, art, or methods and stresses inventiveness or freshness rather than inherent identity. Character is typically used for places, institutions, or objects rather than people, and suggests a memorable or appealing quality built up over time. For instance, you would say 'the café has character' but not 'the café has individuality' in casual conversation; you would praise a student's 'originality' in a project, but celebrate a teenager's 'individuality' in how they dress.

individuality ↗distinctivenessuniquenessoriginality ↗character

Common collocations

Nouns

  • sense of individuality
  • loss of individuality
  • expression of individuality
  • individuality vs conformity

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'individuus' (indivisible, not divided), via French 'individualité'. The word originally meant the state of being indivisible in medieval philosophy. By the 17th century, its meaning shifted to refer to the quality of being a distinct, separate person — the modern sense we use today.