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

Sensitivity analysis shows every $100 increase in aluminum prices raises Press Metal’s revenue by about 3%, but adds less than 1% to net profit, they reckon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

"Sensitivity to language is important and necessary, but we've become too literal-minded".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2024

"This is an extremely challenging issue and very noisy if you use that as the source for the measurement. Sensitivity is key," Tao said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2024

Sensitivity about Camilla’s status as Charles’ second wife long made the question of what title she’d hold when he became king a subject of contention.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2023

Sensitivity to world opinion had made all branches of the Federal Government more willing to act on racial matters.

From The Black Experience in America by Coombs, Norman

Related Words

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