individuation
noun
in·di·vid·u·a·tion
ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-ˈwā-shən 
1
: the act or process of individuating: such as
a(1)
: the development of the individual from the universal
(2)
: the determination of the individual in the general
b
: the process by which individuals in society become differentiated from one another
c
psychology
: the process in the analytical psychology of Carl Gustav Jung by which the self is formed by integrating elements of the conscious and unconscious mind
d
embryology
: regional differentiation along a primary embryonic axis
2
: the state of being individuated
specifically
: individuality
Examples of individuation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There is a surprising amount of individuation to be conjured from this tight handful of ingredients.
—
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024
But though redheads’ breadth is something new, the iconic color is not—and the mane shade has always been worthy of attention and individuation.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2023
The key to the comedy is not after all replication but individuation.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 16 Nov. 2023
But ethical conflict and discussions of faith and sacrifice can only sustain a movie so far, particularly when the large ensemble doesn’t allow much scope for character individuation.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Sep. 2023
Reading Carl Jung’s theory of individuation, the development of self-realization, led her to see her seven chickens as one continuous being, always in communication with wild birds.
—Jennifer Piejko, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2023
Again, competitive individuation at least offers a chance this could happen.
—WIRED, 6 July 2023
There is another problem with any version of individuation that is entirely based on some ID code: It can be spoofed.
—WIRED, 6 July 2023
Their tailored silhouettes indicate their membership in the political class, making individuation difficult.
—Jo-Ellen Pozner, The Conversation, 24 Sep. 2020
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024
But though redheads’ breadth is something new, the iconic color is not—and the mane shade has always been worthy of attention and individuation.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2023
The key to the comedy is not after all replication but individuation.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 16 Nov. 2023
But ethical conflict and discussions of faith and sacrifice can only sustain a movie so far, particularly when the large ensemble doesn’t allow much scope for character individuation.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Sep. 2023
Reading Carl Jung’s theory of individuation, the development of self-realization, led her to see her seven chickens as one continuous being, always in communication with wild birds.
—Jennifer Piejko, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2023
Again, competitive individuation at least offers a chance this could happen.
—WIRED, 6 July 2023
There is another problem with any version of individuation that is entirely based on some ID code: It can be spoofed.
—WIRED, 6 July 2023
Their tailored silhouettes indicate their membership in the political class, making individuation difficult.
—Jo-Ellen Pozner, The Conversation, 24 Sep. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'individuation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near individuation
Cite this Entry
“Individuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individuation. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
individuation
noun
in·di·vid·u·a·tion
-ˌvij-ə-ˈwā-shən
1
: the process in the analytical psychology of C. G. Jung by which the self is formed by integrating elements of the conscious and unconscious mind
2
: regional differentiation along a primary embryonic axis
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