individualisation

IPA/ˌɪndɪvˌɪdʒuːəlaɪzˈeɪʃən/
IPA/ˌɪndᵻvˌɪdʒuːələzˈeɪʃən/

individualisation — noun

1. The practice of designing or adapting something so that it exactly fits one pers

1.名詞C1
釋義

The practice of designing or adapting something so that it exactly fits one person's needs, preferences, or situation, rather than using a standard version for everyone.

例句

At Charlotte's school, individualisation of homework meant each student got tasks at their level.

individualisation of + noun (homework, learning, care)

Arjun valued the individualisation of his gym training, which focused on his weak points.

同義詞
  • personalisation

    More common in everyday commercial contexts (e.g. personalisation of gifts); individualisation is stronger in professional or institutional settings.

  • customisation

    Focuses on technical adjustments to a product or service; individualisation has a broader, often human-centered scope.

  • tailoring

    More concrete and often metaphorical; individualisation is the formal noun for the process.

反義詞
  • standardisation

    The opposite process — making everything the same rather than matching individual needs.

用法筆記

Often used in compound noun phrases with 'of' (e.g. individualisation of learning / healthcare / services). Frequently contrasted with standardisation or uniformity.

常見錯誤

Individualisation means being different from others.
Individualisation means making something fit a particular person's needs.
💡'individuality' is about being unique as a person; 'individualisation' is about tailoring an external thing to suit someone.

2. A system in criminal justice where the sentence, rehabilitation programme, or tr

2.名詞C2
釋義

A system in criminal justice where the sentence, rehabilitation programme, or treatment for an offender is designed based on that person's individual history, personal circumstances, and specific needs, rather than following a fixed penalty rule.

例句

The judge called for individualisation of the sentence, considering the young offender's difficult childhood.

individualisation of the sentence

Henrik, a probation officer, argued individualisation in corrections lowers reoffending rates.

同義詞
  • individualised sentencing

    A more precise term for the legal sense; individualisation can also cover treatment and rehabilitation, not just the sentence itself.

  • tailored corrections

    Less common; emphasises the design of rehabilitative programmes.

反義詞
  • mandatory sentencing

    The opposite approach, where the law sets a fixed punishment and judges have little or no discretion.

用法筆記

This sense is specific to law, criminology, and corrections. It is almost never used outside these fields. The term contrasts with mandatory or fixed sentencing, where the law prescribes a single penalty regardless of the individual.

常見錯誤

The school offered individualisation to the students.' (using sense 2 in a non-legal context)
The court ordered the individualisation of the offender's treatment plan.
💡Sense 2 refers specifically to legal corrections, not general personalisation.