acuity
noun
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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.
Examples of acuity in a Sentence
Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025
Italian law dictates that citizens over 80 must renew their license every two years and complete a medical examination that tests mental acuity.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 June 2025
Higher acuity patients often require more specialized staff.
—Kunal Khashu, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Oversight in cognitive decline ‘cover-up’ investigation | RISING Niall Stanage and Amber Duke discuss four former Biden aides agreeing to testify to the house oversight committee about the former President’s health and mental acuity.
—The Hill, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for acuity
Cite this Entry
“Acuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acuity. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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acuity
noun
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acuity
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