Definition of sensitivity
sensitivities
: the quality or state of being sensitive: such asa : the capacity of an organism or sense organ to respond to stimulation : irritabilityb : the quality or state of being hypersensitivec : the degree to which a radio receiving set responds to incoming wavesd : the capacity of being easily hurte : awareness of the needs and emotions of others a book written with just the right mix of empathy and sensitivity — L. C. Brown
From the M-W Editors
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
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Moe says that most homeowners need professional carpet cleaning at least annually − as often as every 6 months if pets, crawling babies or toddlers, or allergies or respiratory sensitivities are present.
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There was a certain sensitivity, at least in the media and in public discourse, when Barack Obama was president.
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LIGO and Virgo are also working on technical upgrades for LIGO's next run, which is scheduled to begin in late 2018, during which the detectors' sensitivity will be improved.
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The school is now looking into offering cultural-sensitivity programs for the next school year.
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Other less common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, light sensitivity, and fever.
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That same sensitivity these days is trumped by the pursuit of profit.
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Kushner’s dealings with Russia have drawn the attention of FBI agents conducting the probe, according to a person familiar with the inquiry who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
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Their integrity and courage nevertheless provide hope, and Aslam writes with great sensitivity and depth about the ways human beings behave under almost unimaginable pressure.
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.
1803
First Known Use of sensitivity
1803
SENSITIVITY Defined for English Language Learners
sensitivity
playDefinition of sensitivity for English Language Learners
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: the tendency to become upset about things that are done to you, are said about you, or relate to you
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: the tendency to cause people to be upset
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: an awareness and understanding of the feelings of other people
SENSITIVITY Defined for Kids
sensitivity
playDefinition of sensitivity for Students
1 : an awareness and understanding of the feelings of others
2 : the ability to express thoughts and feelings She sings with great sensitivity.
Medical Dictionary
sensitivity
playMedical Definition of sensitivity
sensitivities
: the quality or state of being sensitive: asa: the capacity of an organism or sense organ to respond to stimulation : irritabilityb: the quality or state of being hypersensitive
Learn More about sensitivity
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See words that rhyme with sensitivity Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sensitivity Spanish Central: Translation of sensitivity Nglish: Translation of sensitivity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sensitivity for Arabic speakers
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