individualize

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

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

Examples of individualize in a Sentence

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

There are video sessions and scouting reports individualized for each hitter. —Chad Jennings, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

They’re typically set in their routines and every goalie’s routine is different, leaving it up to Tallas to individualize plans for each of his netminders in order to maximize their production. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025

There is a deep respect for the brand’s heritage throughout the collection, but also an unmistakable drive to modernize, internationalize, and individualize the designs for today’s and tomorrow’s audience. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Each student’s goal is individualized to them for literacy and math, Deputy Superintendent Nicole DeWitt said after the meeting. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1637, 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-