sensitivity

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

Updated on: 12 May 2018

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

Hood spoke to team officials about the incident Tuesday and will not be disciplined, said the person who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

— tom withers, Houston Chronicle, "Source: Cavaliers will not discipline Rodney Hood for refusing to enter game," 8 May 2018
The same goes for allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances to certain foods.

— wendy lopez, SELF, "I'm a Registered Dietitian and These Are the Only 3 Healthy Eating 'Rules' I Live By," 7 May 2018
Because of the sensitivity of the subject matter, not all parents or guardians in this article agreed to be quoted by name.

— georgea kovanis, Detroit Free Press, "The tiniest addicts: How U.P. babies became part of opioid epidemic," 2 May 2018
The three people spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

— christine brennan, USA TODAY, "Official's sexual relationship with 16-year-old skater draws scrutiny," 25 Apr. 2018
The three diagnoses are celiac disease, wheat allergy and gluten sensitivity.

— hannah drown, cleveland.com, "How many people really need to avoid gluten in their diet?," 3 Apr. 2018
Many cassava products are naturally vegan as well as nut-, grain-, and gluten-free, making them a great choice for those on selective diets or with food allergies and sensitivities. 4.

— laura scholz, Good Housekeeping, "Everything You Should Know About Cassava Flour, the Allergy-Friendly Starch That's Taking Over," 28 Mar. 2018
The official spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.

— hamza hendawi and samy magdy, Fox News, "Egypt tries to boost voter turnout with incentives, threats," 28 Mar. 2018
That person and others who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity said they could not be identified because of the sensitivity of the issues surrounding the Mueller investigation.

— Time, "A Witness in the Mueller Probe Allegedly Sent Millions to a Trump Fundraiser to Push a UAE Agenda," 26 Mar. 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