sensitivity

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

Definition of sensitivity

plural

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

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

How could an amateur like me ever learn what combinations of shutter speed, aperture and sensitivity to light (ISO) to dial up for a certain picture?

— david pogue, Scientific American, "Should Artists Reveal How Much They Let Technology Make Creative Choices?," 3 July 2017
Highlighting its sensitivity, the issue was not listed on the Cabinet's agenda and no official statement on the decision was made.

— aron heller, Jewish Journal, "Jewish groups cancel meetings with Netanyahu in protest," 26 June 2017
Even 80% of asthmatics with mild symptoms don't have sulfite sensitivities.

— sarah tan, Good Housekeeping, "What Exactly Are Sulfites — And Are They Bad for You?," 26 June 2017
Fate gave Tchaikovsky an extremely fine psyche and incredible sensitivity.

— leilah bernstein, Los Angeles Magazine, "This Ballet about Tchaikovsky Reveals the Musician’s Talent and Torment," 23 June 2017
Beard noted that the mausoleum incident did not involve alcohol and that YPT had warned all customers about the political sensitivities of the site.

— gerry shih, Cincinnati.com, "Gung-ho culture at tour agency Warmbier used on trip," 22 June 2017
Delta Southern Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recent data suggests that more than 20 million Americans are either gluten intolerant or suffer from gluten sensitivity.

— Southern Living, "Chick-fil-A Rolls Out Gluten-Free Buns," 21 June 2017
In that context, some of The Seattle Times’ headlines online Sunday and in print Monday lacked sensitivity and caused readers pain.

— don shelton, The Seattle Times, "Letter to readers: Some headlines about Charleena Lyles’ shooting lacked sensitivity," 20 June 2017
This would give LISA enough sensitivity to detect all sorts of gravitational waves.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "The ESA Is Preparing to Search For Gravity Waves in Space," 20 June 2017

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

1803

SENSITIVITY Defined for English Language Learners

sensitivity

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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

SENSITIVITY Defined for Kids

sensitivity

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

Definition 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

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

Medical Definition of sensitivity

plural

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