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.

---

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

---

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

The issue of race had been “exacerbated in our politics over the past year,” making it “a time for more understanding, love, sensitivity and honor, and I want to be part of that.”

From Slate • May 6, 2026

And indeed, some analysts believe that in fact the greater run-up in U.K. yields relative to other developed economies is actually much more about Britain’s sensitivity to spikes in energy costs.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Despite 11% sales volume growth, consumer price sensitivity and rising costs pressured margins and led to reduced guidance.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

While red light therapy is generally considered to be safe, those with certain skin conditions, autoimmune conditions, sensitivity to light, or whon are receiving treatment for cancer, should consult their doctor.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Some measure of the political sensitivity and topicality of the Brecht-Weill musicals is apparent when compared with Stravinsky’s notoriously controversial Rite of Spring.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

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