sensitivity

noun

sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce sensitivity (audio)
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 sensitivityL. 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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The results point to Asian Americans’ sensitivity to the issue of crime and safety due to the uptick of anti-Asian hate during the height of the pandemic that many feel went unaddressed, experts say. Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024 Days after, Karter still had a headache, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and noise. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 The filing also details the company's exposure to interest rate risk, noting asset sensitivity to rising rates, and outlines the potential impacts on net interest income and economic value of equity. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024 Individuals with shoulder injuries or sensitivities might consider the plush version of the Nolah Evolution for extra body contouring. Macy Alcido, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensitivity 

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensitivity was in 1773

Dictionary Entries Near sensitivity

Cite this Entry

“Sensitivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensitivity. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sensitivity

noun
sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce sensitivity (audio)
plural sensitivities
: the quality or state of being sensitive

Medical Definition

sensitivity

noun
sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce sensitivity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on sensitivity

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