sensitivity

noun sen·si·tiv·i·ty \ ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē \

|Updated on: 20 Jul 2018

Examples: sensitivity in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Do you have acuity or sensitivity?

Definition of sensitivity

plural sensitivities

: the quality or state of being sensitive: such as

a : the capacity of an organism or sense organ to respond to stimulation : irritability

b : the quality or state of being hypersensitive

c : the degree to which a radio receiving set responds to incoming waves

d : the capacity of being easily hurt

e : awareness of the needs and emotions of others

a book written with just the right mix of empathy and sensitivity
—L. C. Brown

See sensitivity defined for English-language learners

See sensitivity defined for kids

Examples of sensitivity in a Sentence

I was surprised by her extreme sensitivity about even the smallest suggestions that we made.
This is a matter of great political sensitivity.
He handled the situation with great sensitivity.
Her decision shows a lack of sensitivity.
I would have appreciated a little more sensitivity from you.

Recent Examples of sensitivity from the Web

The extreme sensitivity of health information related to addiction treatment led to the 1972 passage of a federal regulation, 42 CFR Part 2.

— melissa stein, STAT, "Privacy laws are hurting the care of patients with addiction," 13 July 2018
Underscoring the sensitivity of the issue, several business and political leaders involved in the effort declined to comment publicly for a story.

— steve harrison and jim morrill, charlotteobserver, "Why did council Democrats wait to oppose RNC? An inside look at Charlotte’s bid.," 13 July 2018
Ma said his firm ceased representing Qin on July 10, 2017, due to the sensitivity of his case.

— christopher bodeen, BostonGlobe.com, "China sentences veteran rights activist to 13 years in prison," 11 July 2018
Ma said his firm ceased representing Qin on July 10, 2017, due to the sensitivity of his case.

— christopher bodeen, Fox News, "China sentences veteran rights activist to 13 years' prison," 11 July 2018
The official asked for anonymity due to the diplomatic sensitivity of the issue, Morina and the Foreign Ministry did not say if there were conditions to the release or if the Serbian case remains active.

— llazar semini, The Seattle Times, "Albanian fan wanted for sparking soccer match violence freed," 10 July 2018
Despite the sensitivity of the task, this is not a Royal Navy vessel.

— The Economist, "Britain’s outsourcing model, copied around the world, is in trouble," 28 June 2018
Nearly a dozen sources, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue, said that multiple Milwaukee business owners have raised concerns about Zielinski and his aggressive fundraising tactics.

— daniel bice, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Businesses' complaints over pressure for donations prompted ouster of Ald. Tony Zielinski as Licenses Committee head," 22 June 2018
The Gospel shows Jesus’ authority over illness and death as well as the warmth and sensitivity of his humanity.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Archbishop’s homily remembers refugees, César Chávez," 1 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sensitivity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.

First Known Use of sensitivity

1773

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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sensitivity Synonyms

Synonyms

acuity, acuteness, delicacy, keenness, perceptiveness, sensitiveness, sharpness;

accuracy, exactitude, exactness, fineness;

SENSITIVITY Defined for English Language Learners

sensitivity

noun

Definition of sensitivity for English Language Learners

: the tendency to become upset about things that are done to you, are said about you, or relate to you
: the tendency to cause people to be upset
: an awareness and understanding of the feelings of other people