time-sensitive
Americanadjective
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(of a product, document, or information) useful or relevant for only a limited amount of time.
These time-sensitive papers must be signed immediately.
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Chemistry. having properties that physically change with the passage of time.
When stored for prolonged periods, time-sensitive chemicals can become extremely hazardous.
adjective
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physically changing as time passes
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only relevant or applicable for a short period of time
Etymology
Origin of time-sensitive
First recorded in 1925–30; time ( def. ) + sensitive ( def. )
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.
The strait is the most time-sensitive issue, so there will have to be some temporary agreement there, at least if the talks are to be extended, Maloney said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 11, 2026
But instead he made another brave call, explaining that he would miss the match so he and his wife Ethel, who has endometriosis, could attend time-sensitive fertility treatment.
From BBC ● Feb. 26, 2026
The scientists found that a developmental signal known as Notch plays an important but time-sensitive role in immune cell formation.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 20, 2026
While UPS doesn’t offer pickup or delivery on the holiday, its time-sensitive Express Critical service is available.
From Barron's ● Jan. 19, 2026
“Had a time-sensitive dilemma,” I said, “but I managed to figure it out. Sometimes runners-up have good ideas too, you know.”
From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas
Definitions 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.
