To individualize means to adjust or tailor something to fit a specific person's unique needs, abilities, or preferences. When a teacher individualizes instruction, she might give one student extra time on tests, another student more challenging problems, and a third student hands-on activities, because each learns differently. A coach might individualize training plans, giving different exercises to different athletes based on their strengths and goals.

The word recognizes that one-size-fits-all approaches don't always work best. In medicine, doctors increasingly individualize treatment plans rather than giving everyone with the same diagnosis identical care. A piano teacher might individualize lessons, letting one student focus on classical music while another explores jazz.

Individualizing requires paying attention to what makes each person unique. It's the opposite of treating everyone exactly the same way, regardless of their differences. When you individualize your approach to helping different friends with homework, you might explain concepts verbally to one friend who learns by listening, while drawing diagrams for another who thinks visually. The goal isn't to play favorites, but to recognize that people genuinely differ in how they learn, grow, and succeed.