noun

existentialism

eg-zih-STEN-shuh-liz-um

Quiz me More like this

Existentialism (noun) means a twentieth-century philosophical movement that stresses the uniqueness of each person's existence and their freedom to shape themselves through their choices. Example: “Existentialism asks how people should live when nothing fixes their purpose in advance.”

noun

A twentieth-century philosophical movement that stresses the uniqueness of each person's existence and their freedom to shape themselves through their choices.

"Existentialism asks how people should live when nothing fixes their purpose in advance."

"She wrote her thesis on existentialism and free choice."

"Many students first meet existentialism through the work of Jean-Paul Sartre."

The philosophical views of a particular thinker within the existentialist movement.

"Sartre's existentialism was set out in a famous work of 1946."

"The two writers each developed their own existentialism."

How to use existentialism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA philosophy about individual existence, freedom and choice.

When to use it

It is a philosophical term, used in academic and general writing.

Memory tip

The word is uncountable when it means the movement as a whole.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

French existentialism Sartre's existentialism

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like existentialism.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “existentialism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ asks how people should live when nothing fixes their purpose in advance.

Etymology

The word joins existential and the suffix -ism, and was modelled on the German word Existentialismus. It was popularised by the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.

Origin: English

Rhymes for existentialism

realism idealism socialism vandalism federalism radicalism capitalism liberalism surrealism journalism materialism cannibalism

See all rhymes for existentialism →

Frequently asked questions

What is existentialism in simple terms?

It is a philosophy that puts individual existence and free choice at the centre. It stresses existence over essence.

Who made existentialism a well-known word?

The French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre popularised the word, notably in his 1946 work Existentialism Is a Humanism.

How do you pronounce existentialism?

It is said eg-zih-STEN-shuh-liz-um, with the stress on the third syllable.

What is the meaning of existentialism?

"existentialism" (noun) means a twentieth-century philosophical movement that stresses the uniqueness of each person's existence and their freedom to shape themselves through their choices.