individualize

1 of 2

verb

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ize ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-ˌlīz 

-ˈvij-wə-, 

-ˈvi-jə-ˌlīz

individualized; individualizing

transitive verb

1

: to make individual in character

an author individualizing the main characters

2

: to adapt to the needs or special circumstances of an individual

individualize teaching according to student ability

3

: to treat or notice individually : particularize

individualization

ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-wə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌvij-wə-, 

-ˌvi-jə-lə-

noun

individualization

2 of 2

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​iza·​tion

variants also British individualisation

-ˌvij(ə)wələ̇ˈzāshən, 

-jəl-, 

-ˌlīˈz-

plural -s

1

: the act of individualizing or the state of being individualized

2

: a program of correctional or penal treatment for a delinquent or adult offender which is coordinated with expert information regarding his personal history and rehabilitative needs

Examples of individualize in a Sentence

Verb

The author uses different styles to individualize the characters.

Teachers should individualize their lessons to address differences in their students.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

How Much to Drink Fluid needs are individualized. — Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026

Now the instruction is more precise and individualized, often from younger people who love the sport, but don’t live it. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 June 2026

Weight loss regimens should be individualized. — Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 1 June 2026

This is individualizing dosing under close medical supervision to address specific clinical situations. — Jody Dushay, STAT, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

individualize

verb

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ize ˌin-də-ˈvij-(ə-)wə-līz 

-ˈvij-ə-ˌliz

individualized; individualizing

1

: to make individual in character

2

: to treat or notice individually

3

: to change to fit the needs of an individual

individualization

-ˌvij-(ə-)wə-lə-ˈzā-shən, 

-ˌvij-ə-lə-

noun

Medical Definition

individualize

transitive verb

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ize ˌin-də-ˈvij-(ə-)wə-ˌlīz, -ˈvij-ə-ˌlīz 

variants or British individualise

individualized or British individualised; individualizing or British individualising

: to adapt to the needs or special circumstances of an individual

individualize dosage for the most beneficial effect

individualization noun

or British individualisation

-ˌvij-(ə-)wə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌvij-ə-lə-