sensitivity

noun

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

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

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.

Synonyms

• sensitiveness
• perceptiveness

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

But… Mind the Volatility The primary risk associated with Monarch stock is its heightened sensitivity to market downturns. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

The Justice Department has cited the need to protect the identities of victims and witnesses, along with the sensitivity of grand jury materials, as reasons for withholding additional evidence. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025

The new price cap on Russian crude will remain flexible in line with market dynamics and will be set at just above 47 dollars per barrel at current market prices, according to four European officials who spoke to CNBC on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic. —Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 18 July 2025

Still, because sweets and dairy were strongly linked to bad dreams, people with lactose intolerance or food sensitivities may want to avoid certain desserts before bed.1 Based on the results, Martin said, the worst bedtime snack would be ice cream. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sensitivity

• multiple chemical sensitivity

Rhymes for sensitivity

• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity
• conductivity
• connectivity
• corrosivity
• creativity
• diffusivity
• directivity
• effectivity
• emissivity
• exclusivity

Kids Definition

sensitivity

noun

sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

plural sensitivities

: the quality or state of being sensitive

Medical Definition

sensitivity

noun

sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

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