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
Brian Bennett, Time, 6 May 2025
Biden released detailed summaries of his physical exams while in office, but several books published in recent months have raised questions about his mental acuity in his final months in the White House.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025
Implicit bias, a lack of cultural acuity and acumen among medical staff, and the history of America’s medical field have all played a part in this reality.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
Biden left office in November with approval ratings underwater, and some Democrats continue to blame him for Trump’s victory after his age and mental acuity became the dominant narrative around his reelection bid.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 12 Feb. 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 21 May. 2025.
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acuity
noun
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acuity
noun
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