sensitive

1 of 2

adjective

sen·​si·​tive ˈsen(t)-sə-tiv 

ˈsen(t)s-təv

1

: sensory sense 2

2

a

: receptive to sense impressions

b

: capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (such as light, gravity, or contact)

sensitive cells

3

: highly responsive or susceptible: such as

a(1)

: easily hurt or damaged

especially : easily hurt emotionally

(2)

: delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others

b

: excessively or abnormally susceptible : hypersensitive

sensitive to egg protein

c

: readily fluctuating in price or demand

sensitive commodities

d

: capable of indicating minute differences : delicate

sensitive scales

e

: readily affected or changed by various agents (such as light or mechanical shock)

a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light

f

: highly radiosensitive

4

a

: concerned with highly classified government information or involving discretionary authority over important policy matters

sensitive documents

b

: calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment : touchy

a sensitive issue like race relations

5

: having or showing concern for a specified matter

—usually used in combination

a price-sensitive customer

environmentally sensitive policies

sensitively adverb

sensitiveness noun

sensitive

2 of 2

noun

1

: a person having occult or psychical abilities

2

: a sensitive person

Synonyms

Adjective

• acute
• delicate
• fine
• keen
• perceptive
• quick
• sharp

Choose the Right Synonym for sensitive

liable, open, exposed, subject, prone, susceptible, sensitive mean being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse.

liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

Examples of sensitive in a Sentence

Adjective

He acts like a tough guy, but he's really very sensitive to criticism.

I found him to be a sensitive and caring person.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Trump administration – with Musk and his aides as the tip of the spear – have roiled the federal government with mass layoffs and demands for access to sensitive information at agencies including the Social Security Administration and the National Labor Relations Board. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 3 May 2025

With uneasiness surrounding reports of electronic searches during border crossings, some travelers have opted to use burner phones—rather than bring their personal phones with them—to protect sensitive information. —Iona Brannon, AFAR Media, 2 May 2025

Noun

For instance, if your IBS is related to food sensitives, diet modification can help resolve issues. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025

Given the dearth of formal treatments and accommodations, McCampbell’s ability to help sensitives through her consulting work is somewhat limited. —Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin sensitivus, probably alteration of sensativus, from sensatus sensate

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Noun

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing sensitive

• case-sensitive
• sensitive compartmented information facility
• sensitive plant
• sensitive soul

Rhymes for sensitive

• hypersensitive
• photosensitive
• insensitive
• radiosensitive

Kids Definition

sensitive

adjective

sen·​si·​tive

ˈsen(t)-sət-iv,

ˈsen(t)-stiv

1

: capable of responding to stimulation

2

a

: easily or strongly affected or hurt

a sensitive child

b

: capable of showing very small differences : delicate

sensitive scales

c

: readily affected or changed by the action of a certain thing

plants sensitive to light

sensitively adverb

sensitiveness noun

Medical Definition

sensitive

adjective

sen·​si·​tive ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, ˈsen(t)-stiv 

1

: sensory sense 2

sensitive nerves

2

a

: receptive to sense impressions

b

: capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (as light, gravity, or contact)

a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light

sensitive protoplasm

3

: highly responsive or susceptible: as

a

: easily hurt or damaged

sensitive skin

especially : easily hurt emotionally

b

: excessively or abnormally susceptible : hypersensitive

sensitive to egg protein

c

: capable of indicating minute differences

sensitive scales

d

: readily affected or changed by various agents (as light or mechanical shock)

a sensitive colloid

sensitiveness noun