rugged individualism

noun

: the practice or advocacy of individualism in social and economic relations emphasizing personal liberty and independence, self-reliance, resourcefulness, self-direction of the individual, and free competition in enterprise

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of rugged individualism was in 1898

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rugged individualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rugged%20individualism. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation