acuity
noun
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.
Examples of acuity in a Sentence
Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Saunders wowed me with her psychological acuity in her debut, The Distance Home, and this new offering exceeds that jewel.
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2025
Over time, that willingness to take risks can lead to social acuity and new friendships.
—Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2025
Rather than relying on arbitrary age cutoffs, organizations should prioritize functional assessments, adaptability and decision-making acuity.
—Rob Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acuity
Cite this Entry
“Acuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acuity. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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acuity
noun
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acuity
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