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

Collaborate with local experts to individualize events. —Adam Deflorian, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

By using this term, which individualizes extremism, law enforcement officials may also depoliticize their work. —Alex Hinton, The Conversation, 17 June 2025

For example, your well-being and fitness programs can engage employees in team, company and global challenges and individualize the experience for each employee, regardless of location. —Alex Shubat, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

However, the protocols remain fluid as Trump’s team tries to sort how to individualize a rate for each nation, the Journal reported, adding that developing reciprocal tariffs unique to each country could take six months or more. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 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-