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 of sensitivity

• sensitiveness
• perceptiveness

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 best protein powder is different for everyone, based on individual needs and requirements, such as allergies or sensitivities. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 30 Nov. 2025

Those people, along with five others in the original report, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the matter's sensitivity. —Arkansas Online, 30 Nov. 2025

The convenient device has three adjustable sensitivity levels and is small enough to easily fit in your suitcase. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

One 2022 study, found that medical detection dogs could identify COVID-19 in sweat samples with about 98 percent sensitivity and 92 percent specificity. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sensitivity

• multiple chemical sensitivity

Rhymes for sensitivity

• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity
• conductivity
• connectivity
• corrosivity
• creativity
• diffusivity
• directivity
• effectivity
• emissivity
• exclusivity

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