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sensitivity

noun
sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty | \ ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce sensitivity (audio) \
plural sensitivities

Definition of sensitivity

: 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
Synonyms Do you have acuity or sensitivity? Example Sentences Learn More about sensitivity

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Fontana’s sensitivity to it imbues his photographs with the import of symbol and iconography. — Cate Mcquaid, BostonGlobe.com, "At Robert Klein Gallery, Franco Fontana’s photographs shape the world with color and abstraction," 7 Aug. 2019 In fact, for nearly every trait, including sensitivity to a pesticide, there is inevitable variability within a population. — Robert Gatenby, Scientific American, "Darwin’s Ideas on Evolution Drive a Radical New Approach to Cancer Drug Use," 3 Aug. 2019 If your dog is suffering from itchy skin or a queasy stomach, the problem may be as simple as an allergy or sensitivity to something that's around your home. — Jacob Krol, CNN Underscored, "See what could be bothering your pooch with this allergy test kit," 25 July 2019 The patient had her eye examined after two months of intermittent pain, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision in her left eye. — Maggie O'neill, Health.com, "Swimming in Contact Lenses Can Cause Vision Loss—Here’s How," 17 July 2019 Chris Connell, the Clinic’s in-house architect, points out that the Clinic has also been shifting in recent years toward greater sensitivity to its surroundings. — Steven Litt, cleveland.com, "Is CWRU-Clinic Health Education Campus just another big shiny box at a sprawling medical center? - Steven Litt," 14 July 2019 Once hired, the town continues to invest in training, particularly in critical incidents, de-escalation, and sensitivity to persons in crisis. — Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, "Los Gatos: Residents prod town over hiring of ex-SJSU officer fired after library beating," 10 July 2019 Part of what can help parents make the call for an individual child, says Labardee, is considering the losses your child has experienced, as well as any individual sensitivities to particular themes. — Washington Post, "When death goes to the movies: How to help kids cope with the scary stuff," 2 July 2019 But these environments in the Arctic and on mountains are far from invulnerable, displaying sensitivity to human disruptions and climate change. — Christina Nunez, National Geographic, "Tundra threats, explained," 19 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sensitivity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sensitivity

1773, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for sensitivity

sensitivity

noun
How to pronounce sensitivity (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of sensitivity

: the tendency to become upset about things that are done to you, are said about you, or relate to you
: the tendency to cause people to be upset
: an awareness and understanding of the feelings of other people

See the full definition for sensitivity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sensitivity

noun
sen·​si·​tiv·​i·​ty | \ ˌsen-sə-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce sensitivity (audio) \

Kids Definition of sensitivity

1 : an awareness and understanding of the feelings of others
2 : the ability to express thoughts and feelings She sings with great sensitivity.

sensitivity

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

Medical Definition of sensitivity

: 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

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