Individualist: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this in situations where someone values independence and self-reliance and tends to think and act according to their own personal beliefs and principles.

• She is a true individualist, always charting her own course

Use this when referring to someone who does not conform to established customs, attitudes, or ideas, often with a connotation of deliberate defiance or resistance.

• In a society that values tradition, being a nonconformist often means facing criticism and misunderstanding

Use this to describe someone who is unconventional and often goes against the norms or expectations in a particular field, usually with a touch of rebelliousness.

• As a maverick in the tech industry, she has introduced groundbreaking ideas that others were afraid to pursue

Use this when describing someone who is not restrained by conventional rules or practices, and prefers to live and think freely.

• He's such a free spirit, always traveling to new places and meeting new people

Use this word to describe someone who values personal freedom and independence over group norms or societal expectations. It often relates to personal behavior and attitudes.

• She's an individualist who prefers to work alone and set her own rules.
• John's individualist views sometimes clash with team-oriented projects.

This term is appropriate when talking about someone who supports an economic system in which trade, industries, and the means of production are largely or entirely privately owned and operated for profit.

• As a capitalist, she believes in the power of the free market to drive innovation.
• Capitalists often argue that competition leads to better products and services.

Use this term to describe a person who upholds the principle of maximum individual liberty in thought and action. It often includes a political philosophy that advocates for minimal state intervention in the lives of citizens.

• As a libertarian, she believes that people should be free to make their own choices.
• Libertarians often campaign for reduced government spending.

This phrase is suitable for describing someone who advocates for minimal government intervention in economic affairs and believes that supply and demand should regulate the economy.

• Being a free market supporter, he opposes most forms of government regulation.
• Free market supporters argue that an unregulated market is more efficient.

Can also refer to a person with a strong sense of self and a distinctive personality, often diverging from societal norms.

• In his hometown, he's known as an individualist who refuses to follow local traditions.
• Her individualist fashion sense always makes her stand out.

Someone who introduces new ideas, products, or methods. This term is often used with a focus on creativity and forward-thinking in various industries, particularly technology and business.

• Steve Jobs is celebrated as an innovator for his contributions to technology.
• Her role as an innovator has led to several patents and groundbreaking products.

An artist who introduces new and unusual ideas or methods, often ahead of their time. Commonly associated with creative fields like art, music, or literature.

• This exhibit features works by avant-garde artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.
• As an avant-garde artist, he enjoys experimenting with unconventional materials.

Someone who initiates new approaches or innovations, often in a way that significantly changes a field or industry. Frequently used in professional or technological contexts.

• Marie Curie was a groundbreaker in the field of radioactivity.
• The company's groundbreaker status is reflected in its revolutionary new product.