individually

American  

[in-duh-vij-oo-uh-lee] / ˌɪn dəˈvɪdʒ u ə li /

adverb

1. one at a time; separately.

   The delegates were introduced individually.

2. personally.

   Each of us is individually responsible.

3. in an individual or personally unique manner.

   Her interpretation was individually conceived.

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Etymology

Origin of individually

First recorded in 1590–1600; individual + -ly

Explanation

Anything done individually happens one at a time, separate from others. In baseball, each player bats individually. An individual is a single person, or you can refer to an individual thing, which is one thing. Likewise, anything described as happening individually happens one by one or separately. An only child is raised individually. Doctors usually see patients individually, not in groups. If you're in a single-file line, you're lined up individually. Think of the number one when you see or hear the word individually.

Example Sentences

Individually they were also under-powered, low on energy and coughing up basic errors.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

"Individually, we were immense to resolve all the challenges that this team brings to the table."

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

Individually, neither would have had the necessary insights or persistence to overcome the complexity of the case.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

Individually, they might make you pause, chuckle, gasp.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2025

"Individually wrapped," John John added, just because it was a detail Ms. CeeCee kept adding.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

• alone
• independently
• personally