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

The literature on adolescence marks middle school as a turning point, a time when kids begin to pull away from their parents, discard childish pursuits, and pursue, full thrust, the exhausting project of individuation. — Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Its discussions of Jungian analysis, dream interpretation, and the individuation process may strike many readers as strange. — Big Think, 14 Nov. 2025

Shame is then a natural part of individuation as well as a by-product of our cultural backgrounds and upbringings. — Melissa Petro, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024

There is a surprising amount of individuation to be conjured from this tight handful of ingredients. — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for individuation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical 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

individuate

-ˈvij-ə-ˌwāt 

transitive verb

individuated; individuating