reactivity

noun

re·​ac·​tiv·​i·​ty (ˌ)rē-ˌak-ˈti-və-tē 

: the quality or state of being reactive

emotional reactivity

chemical reactivity

If the brain, responding to psychological stress, stimulates the release of cortisol and cortisol suppresses the reactivity of the immune system, then a dormant viral infection may well flare up, or a new one catch hold.

—Matt Ridley

Abnormal reactivity to light and abnormal pupillary size may be important clues to the presence of cranial injury in the setting of head trauma.

—Bradford J. Shingleton

Examples of reactivity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This outdated mentality fosters two counterproductive patterns: emotional repression, in which individuals suppress feelings, and emotional reactivity, where feelings are expressed impulsively and without regulation. —Andriana Eliadis, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Now As Hackers Attack — Here’s How These changes can contribute to a range of issues, from weight gain to emotional reactivity, even after just a few nights of poor sleep. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Moreover, research in Emotion Review found that secure attachment was linked to lower emotional reactivity and faster emotional recovery. —Alex Vance, Parents, 5 May 2025

That last step is fairly uncommon, and despite the reactivity of that type of wood the reposado is relatively light with minimal oak influence. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing reactivity

• hyper-reactivity

Rhymes for reactivity

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

Medical Definition

reactivity

noun

re·​ac·​tiv·​i·​ty (ˌ)rē-ˌak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

plural reactivities

: the quality or state of being reactive

skin reactivity

emotional reactivity