sensitivity

noun

sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce sensitivity (audio)
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 sensitivityL. C. Brown

Did you know?

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 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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The recent Spanish fraud scheme is currently under investigation by Spain’s National Court continues, underscoring persistent challenges and sensitivities surrounding Sephardic citizenship laws across Iberia. Orge Castellano, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025 While investors should remain aware of the substantial debt and historical sensitivity to market downturns, the long-term prospects for Jazz Pharmaceuticals seem positive for those with a 3-5 year investment horizon. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Along the same lines, postmenopausal skin can become thinner, drier and more prone to bruising or sensitivity, Kanwal says. Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 7 July 2025 Months later, with no reference to the test, teens who scored highest in the traits of impulsiveness, sensation-seeking, hopelessness or sensitivity to anxiety were invited to participate in two 90-minute workshops. Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensitivity

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensitivity was in 1773

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Cite this Entry

“Sensitivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensitivity. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sensitivity

noun
sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce sensitivity (audio)
plural sensitivities
: the quality or state of being sensitive

Medical Definition

sensitivity

noun
sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce sensitivity (audio)
plural sensitivities
: the quality or state of being sensitive: as
a
: the capacity of an organism or sense organ to respond to stimulation : irritability
b
: the quality or state of being hypersensitive

More from Merriam-Webster on sensitivity

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