hypersensitive

adjective

hy·​per·​sen·​si·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv 

1

: excessively or abnormally sensitive

2

: abnormally susceptible physiologically to a specific agent (such as a drug or antigen)

hypersensitiveness noun

hypersensitivity

ˌhī-pər-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Examples of hypersensitive in a Sentence

She's hypersensitive about her past.

People who are hypersensitive to the chemical may have violent reactions even to small amounts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ignoring the hypersensitive economy, the administration is demanding interest-rate cuts and raising doubts about the Fed’s future independence. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

February kicks off with a full moon in Leo (Feb. 1), activating your hypersensitive fourth house, bringing home, family and emotional security into focus. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026

This would include active eczema, psoriasis flare ups, or people with hypersensitive skin. —Georgia Day, Vogue, 13 Nov. 2025

Jean-Michel Beuriot, Philippe Richelle Between 2001 and 2023, the award-winning saga Amours Fragiles told the story of Martin Mahner, a young, hypersensitive German, through the rise of Nazism and the war years. —Ernesto Lechner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hypersensitive

• photosensitive
• insensitive
• radiosensitive
• sensitive

Kids Definition

hypersensitive

adjective

hy·​per·​sen·​si·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv 

-ˈsen(t)-stiv

: very sensitive especially to an abnormal degree

hypersensitiveness noun

Medical Definition

hypersensitive

adjective

hy·​per·​sen·​si·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, -ˈsen(t)-stiv 

1

: excessively or abnormally sensitive

2

: abnormally susceptible physiologically to a specific agent (as a drug or antigen)

hypersensitiveness noun

hypersensitivity

-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural hypersensitivities