What does individuation mean?
Individuation is the process of becoming a distinct person, organization, or other entity rather than remaining merged with a larger group. It can describe the development of an individual personality, the separation of a unit from a wider organization, or the legal recognition of something as a separate entity. In psychology, the term often has a specialized Jungian meaning: the lifelong work of developing a coherent sense of self that distinguishes the person from others while enabling genuine relationships with them. In general use, the word emphasizes differentiation and the formation of separate identity. It can carry a positive connotation of independence and self-development, though it may also suggest the psychological difficulty of separating from family, convention, or group identity. The word is chiefly formal and is less usual in everyday speech than terms such as independence, autonomy, or personal development.
nounThe process of becoming or being made distinct as an individual. In psychology, it specifically refers to the development of a distinct personality; in law, it can mean the establishment of someone or something as a separate legal entity.
- The process of becoming distinct or separate from others.
- In analytical psychology, the lifelong development of a person into a distinct, integrated personality capable of relating authentically to others.
- In law and administrative contexts, the act of establishing someone or something as a separate person or entity.
"The novel explores the individuation of its young protagonist as she rejects the expectations of her family."
"Her early experiments in solitude were part of her individuation."
"The ruling clarified the individuation of the municipality from the surrounding county."
"Psychologists often describe individuation as a process rather than a single achievement."
The plural is grammatical but uncommon; most usage treats individuation as an uncountable process or an abstract concept.
"The essays examine several forms of individuation in modern society."
From “individual” to “individuation,” the word captures the moment when collective identity gives way to a distinct self.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does individuation come from?
Individuation comes through English from the Latin individuātiō, a noun formed from individuāre, “to make individual or indivisible.” That verb is based on individuus, “individual, indivisible,” from the phrase dividere, “to separate,” with the prefix in- expressing negation. English later developed individuate and individual through the same Latin family of forms. The psychological meaning was developed prominently by Carl Jung in the early 20th century.
Related word forms
How individuation is actually used
Outside specialist contexts, “individuation” is formal and less common than “individualization” or simply becoming independent. Its psychological sense is especially associated with the analytical psychology of Carl Jung.
Easily confused with individuation
An individual is a person or entity considered separately from others, whereas individuation is the process by which distinction or separate identity develops.
To individuate is to distinguish or treat something as a separate individual; individuation is the resulting process or state.