sensitivity
Americannoun
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sensitivities
plural
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the state or quality of being sensitive; sensitiveness.
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Physiology.
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the ability of an organism or part of an organism to react to stimuli; irritability.
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degree of susceptibility to stimulation.
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Electricity.
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the ability of a radio device to react to incoming signals, expressed as the minimum input signal required to produce a specified output signal with a given noise level.
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the input, as voltage, current, or the like, required to produce full deflection in an electric measuring device, expressed as the ratio of the response to the magnitude of the input quantity.
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noun
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the state or quality of being sensitive
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physiol the state, condition, or quality of reacting or being sensitive to an external stimulus, drug, allergen, etc
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electronics the magnitude or time of response of an instrument, circuit, etc, to an input signal, such as a current
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photog the degree of response of an emulsion to light or other actinic radiation, esp to light of a particular colour, expressed in terms of its speed
Synonym Usage
See sensibility.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of sensitivity
Explanation
Sensitivity has many shades of meaning but most relate to your response to your environment — either physical or emotional. Sensitivity to cold means you’re quick to notice the slightest chill — in the air or in another person’s actions. A sensitivity to pollen means you’re sneezing any time it’s in the air — you just always seem to react to it. It’s the same with emotions — sensitivity means you pick up on the feelings of others. If you have great sensitivity to your classmates, then you’re aware of their needs and behave in a way that makes them feel good. If you introduce a new policy with sensitivity, that means you consider how others will react to it.
Vocabulary lists containing sensitivity
"The Great Gatsby," Chapter 1 Vocabulary
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Nine, Ten
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poems by Nikki Giovanni
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
“The consistency points to a possible sensitivity in the hinge tolerances or in how the display is supported during the fold,” says Francisco Jeronimo, vice president of worldwide devices at research firm IDC.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026
In the United States, the FDA approved SDF as a medical device for treating tooth sensitivity in 2014.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 26, 2026
Maintaining healthy insulin sensitivity is important for metabolic health and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 25, 2026
In response to the investigation report in June, WellBN said it recognised "the seriousness and sensitivity of the matters raised" and that its priority remained providing "compassionate, safe and effective care for all patients".
From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026
Nevertheless, despite acknowledging the validity of certain liberal ideas, Bobby seemed to be hardening toward the world and losing sensitivity to people in need.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
"Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being," added De Ranitz.
From Barron's ● Oct. 27, 2026
The current controversy began in May and June, when the Oakland-based law firm Cole & Van Note filed a series of class-action lawsuits representing California hotel customers with fragrance sensitivities and targeting major hotel chains.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026
“Each age has its own sensitivities, and therefore each will have its own tailored protection level,” she said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
Beijing's sensitivities are especially apparent at times likes this.
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026
Hamilton tried to reassure him that his sensitivities on this score were excessive, that if he did choose to run for a third term, he would win in a walk.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
