/ ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm; NAmE / noun [ U ]
1.
the quality of being different from other people and doing things in your own way
2.
the belief that individual people in society should have the right to make their own decisions, etc., rather than be controlled by the government :
Capitalism stresses innovation, competition and individualism.
► in·di·vidu·al·ist / -əlɪst; NAmE / noun :
She's a complete individualist in her art.
► in·di·vidu·al·is·tic / ˌɪndɪˌvɪdʒuəˈlɪstɪk; NAmE / (also in·di·vidu·al·ist ) adjective :
an individualistic culture
His music is highly individualistic and may not appeal to everyone.