sensitivity

American  

[sen-si-tiv-i-tee] / ˌsɛn sɪˈtɪv ɪ ti /

noun

plural

sensitivities

1. the state or quality of being sensitive; sensitiveness.

2. Physiology.

   1. the ability of an organism or part of an organism to react to stimuli; irritability.

   2. degree of susceptibility to stimulation.

3. Electricity.

   1. 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.

   2. 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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sensitivity British  

/ ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being sensitive

2. physiol the state, condition, or quality of reacting or being sensitive to an external stimulus, drug, allergen, etc

3. electronics the magnitude or time of response of an instrument, circuit, etc, to an input signal, such as a current

4. 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

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Related Words

See sensibility.

Other Word Forms

• antisensitivity noun
• nonsensitivity noun

Etymology

Origin of sensitivity

First recorded in 1795–1805; sensitive + -ity

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.

Example Sentences

“People who struggle with their gender identity deserve compassion, sensitivity, and respect,” the lawsuit says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

All that remains may be the power of public suasion, but Gilead hasn’t demonstrated much sensitivity to such pressure.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Society is depicted as "worshiping only power and money, despising art, sensitivity, tenderness, where people ...don't talk anymore."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

"Flies don't have human hormones like estrogen, suggesting that other genetic or physiological factors are driving the heightened sensitivity in females," said Biological Sciences Professor Kyung-An Han.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

She drove Madame Williams wild with her sudden sensitivity to footsteps on the stairs.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

Related Words

• awareness
• feeling
• nervousness
• sense
• subtlety
• sympathy