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

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

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

Mild symptoms can include watery eyes, eye soreness, headaches and light sensitivity but more serious symptoms include blurry vision, blind spots, dim vision, distorted vision and eye pain. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2024

Symptoms include blurry vision, eye pain, and light sensitivity. —Cassie Shortsleeve, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

Hours later, the Pentagon clarified Brown’s remarks, highlighting the issue’s sensitivity. —John Hudson, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024

Performing a play about Israel and Palestine written before October 7, 2023, required extreme sensitivity, and time and support were needed to address the emotional cost of taking on the moment’s most difficult public conversation. —Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024

Can constipation cause back pain? Some people with severe constipation or those with sensitivity may feel pain sensations with a mass of stool. —Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024

That’s one reason there aren’t great therapies for noise sensitivity disorders, Brout tells me. —Amy Paturel, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2024

Some people lose their libido or ability to become aroused, while others have problems with genital sensitivity, genital lubrication, reaching orgasm or having satisfying orgasms, or ejaculation. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024

When teens and tweens are just starting to develop breast buds or feel some sensitivity in their nipples, a training bra is appropriate. —Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sensitivity

• multiple chemical sensitivity

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