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

The pledge includes practices such as leave-no-trace, pack-in-pack-out, fire safety, cultural respect, wildlife sensitivity, and pre-trip education. —Sunset Magazine, 23 Apr. 2024

Apparent Turkish sensitivities over whether to allow the ships to depart have caused organizers to hedge on when exactly the voyage, which was scheduled to begin Sunday, would get underway. —Kareem Fahim and Beril Eski The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 22 Apr. 2024

The boy's disabilities included sensory sensitivities, an executive function disorder, and probable learning disabilities, according to the lawsuit. —Tony Cook, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

The boy's disabilities included sensory sensitivities, an executive function disorder and probable learning disabilities, according the lawsuit. —Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Apr. 2024

Ideally, this would be a short-term measure of a few years to give state regulators time to make the decision-making process transparent and demonstrate a sensitivity to local concerns. —Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

This post-Covid sensitivity (although Covid is never mentioned) characterizes current conditions. —Armond White, National Review, 10 Apr. 2024

Eyelid bump symptoms may vary but can include a gritty or itchy sensation in your eye, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, swelling, and watery eyes. —Jenna Demmer, Health, 13 Apr. 2024

Patented seamless roll-top fingertips provide great sensitivity and another layer of protection. —Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 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