A resist composition which generates an acid upon exposure and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution by the action of the acid contains a high-molecular weight compound (A1) having a constituent unit (a0) represented by a general formula (a0-1) and a constituent unit (a1-1) including a monocyclic group-containing acid decomposable group whose polarity increases by the action of an acid. In the formula (a0-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Ya01 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; X01 represents a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; and Ra01 represents an optionally substituted cyclic group, chain alkyl group, or chain alkenyl group.