sensitivity

noun

sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē 

plural sensitivities

: the quality or state of being sensitive: such as

a

: the capacity of an organism or sense organ to respond to stimulation : irritability

b

: the quality or state of being hypersensitive

c

: the degree to which a radio receiving set responds to incoming waves

d

: the capacity of being easily hurt

e

: awareness of the needs and emotions of others

… a book written with just the right mix of empathy and sensitivity …

—L. C. Brown

Did you know?

Do you have acuity or sensitivity?

Acuity is nearly synonymous with at least one sense of sensitivity, yet, as is so often the case with closely related words, there are subtle differences worth observing before you substitute one of these words for the other. Acuity does refer to a form of sensitivity, but it is most often applied to the perceptual senses (as in “visual acuity” or “auditory acuity”). It is also frequently used in reference to the intellect (as in “mental acuity”). Sensitivity has a broader range of meanings than acuity does, including “the capacity of being easily hurt.” It may be used of inanimate objects such as radios (“the sensitivity of the instruments was carefully calibrated”), a context in which acuity is unusual.

Synonyms of sensitivity

• sensitiveness
• perceptiveness

Examples of sensitivity in a Sentence

I was surprised by her extreme sensitivity about even the smallest suggestions that we made.

This is a matter of great political sensitivity.

He handled the situation with great sensitivity.

Her decision shows a lack of sensitivity.

I would have appreciated a little more sensitivity from you.

Recent Examples on the Web

This time around, Hubble was also equipped with an improved camera with a wider field of view and greater sensitivity that was installed during a 2009 Space Shuttle mission known as Servicing Mission 4. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

In that same study, the soleus push-up, non-weight-bearing resistance activities, and stretching exercises were all found to have the potential to significantly improve glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and vascular function in those unable to perform traditional weight-bearing exercise. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2026

Therefore, the researchers now plan to improve detection efficiency and push sensitivity even further, with the hope of identifying other ultra-rare isotopes that have so far remained invisible. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026

Bell, whose screen roles have long radiated decency and sensitivity, channels that guilelessness once more, only to expose it as yet another façade that helps Niall to conceal his darker impulses. —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sensitivity

• multiple chemical sensitivity

Rhymes for sensitivity

• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity
• conductivity
• connectivity
• corrosivity
• creativity
• diffusivity
• directivity
• effectivity
• emissivity
• exclusivity

Kids Definition

sensitivity

noun

sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

plural sensitivities

: the quality or state of being sensitive

Medical Definition

sensitivity

noun

sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

plural sensitivities

: the quality or state of being sensitive: as

a

: the capacity of an organism or sense organ to respond to stimulation : irritability

b

: the quality or state of being hypersensitive