noun
Common
sensitivity
sehn-sih-TIHV-ih-tee
Sensitivity (noun) means the quality of being easily affected or upset. Example: “She spoke about the loss with great sensitivity, careful not to hurt anyone.”
noun
1
The quality of being easily affected or upset.
"She spoke about the loss with great sensitivity, careful not to hurt anyone."
"His sensitivity to criticism made him avoid sharing his poems."
"He handled the layoffs with real sensitivity."
2
The degree to which something (a person, organ, or device) responds to stimuli or change.
"Cameras with higher sensitivity take clearer photos in dim light."
"You can adjust the mouse sensitivity in the settings."
"The test has high sensitivity for detecting the disease early."
How to use sensitivity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow easily something responds, reacts, or is affected — emotionally, physically, or in a device or test.
Common pairings
adjust the sensitivity
cultural sensitivity
high sensitivity
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Word forms
- Plural
- sensitivities
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She spoke about the loss with great _____, careful not to hurt anyone.
Etymology
From sensitive + the noun-forming suffix -ity.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for sensitivity
See all rhymes for sensitivity →Frequently asked questions
What does “sensitivity” mean?
The word “sensitivity” means the quality of being easily affected or upset. In plain terms, how easily something responds, reacts, or is affected — emotionally, physically, or in a device or test.
How do you pronounce “sensitivity”?
“Sensitivity” is pronounced sehn-sih-TIHV-ih-tee (/ˌsɛn.səˈtɪv.ə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “sensitivity” in a sentence?
Here is “sensitivity” used in a sentence: “He handled the layoffs with real sensitivity.”
What is the opposite of “sensitivity”?
The opposite of “sensitivity” — its antonyms — is insensitivity.
What part of speech is “sensitivity”?
“Sensitivity” is a noun.
Is “sensitivity” a common word?
“Sensitivity” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sensitivity” have?
“Sensitivity” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the quality of being easily affected or upset.
What is the difference between "sensitivity" and "sensibility"?
"Sensitivity" is the quality of being easily affected, upset, or responsive to stimuli, while "sensibility" refers to a person's capacity to appreciate and respond to emotions or aesthetics. You show sensitivity when you react strongly to criticism; you show sensibility in refined taste or moral awareness.
What is the difference between "sensitivity" and "sensitiveness"?
Both nouns come from "sensitive," but "sensitivity" is far more common and covers both emotional and technical meanings, such as the sensitivity of a camera or a person. "Sensitiveness" is rare and usually limited to describing a person's tender or touchy nature.
What words are commonly used with "sensitivity"?
"Sensitivity" often appears in phrases such as "emotional sensitivity," "cultural sensitivity," "light sensitivity," and "price sensitivity." In technical settings it describes measurable responsiveness, as in "the sensitivity of a test" or "the sensitivity of an instrument."
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