sensitivity

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

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

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

This included not only state and local governments, but also, quite tellingly, any effort to accommodate disadvantaged communities through economic equality or cultural sensitivity.

— christopher d. cantwell, The Atlantic, "The Digitally Entangled Lives of Two Christopher Cantwells," 29 Aug. 2017
The blood tests measured high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, and high was defined as two milligrams or more per liter of blood.

— denise grady, New York Times, "Drug Aimed at Inflammation May Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Cancer," 27 Aug. 2017
When these systems go awry, prolonged and excessive pain is common, as are changes in the texture of the skin and increased sensitivity in the affected area.

— sandra g. boodman, Philly.com, "Medical mystery: Why was her arthritis pain worse after surgery to relieve it?," 27 Aug. 2017
Both perform with equal skill and sensitivity in almost any setting, whether guesting on albums by others or playing on their own solo recordings.

— george varga, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Albert Lee and Cindy Cashdollar a pair of guitar heroes with extra pluck," 26 Aug. 2017
That tension between hardness and softness, maturity and innocence, sensitivity and strength, might be the common thread that connects all of Garner’s characters — as well as an innate resilience that allows them to survive hellish situations.

— anna silman, The Cut, "The Misfit Ingenue," 22 Aug. 2017
Whole-grain vs. gluten-free bread: Gluten-free foods were created for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

— cara rosenbloom, charlotteobserver, "The lies you’re fed: 6 ‘healthy’ foods that aren’t," 22 Aug. 2017
More commonly known as lye and lime, these acids increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and can lead to phytophotodermatitis.

— niree noel, Allure, "How The Sun Damages Your Beauty Products And Treatments," 21 Aug. 2017
Try one for a few days, and if the sensitivity worsens, talk to your dentist.

— joanne chen, Redbook, "Teeth: An Owner's Manual," 24 July 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

1773

sensitivity Synonyms

Synonyms

acuteness, delicacy, keenness, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sensitiveness, acuity, sharpness

Related Words

hyperacuity, hypersensitiveness, hypersensitivity, oversensitiveness, oversensitivity, supersensitivity; 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