Sensitivity

/ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The quality or condition of being sensitive; the capacity to perceive and respond to stimuli.

Her sensitivity to the needs of others made her an excellent counselor.

The degree to which a device or a test can detect or respond to small changes or signals.

The sensitivity of the sensor allows it to detect even the faintest vibrations.

An emotional responsiveness or susceptibility to the feelings of others.

His sensitivity to criticism made him reluctant to share his work.

The state of being susceptible to physical or emotional pain.

She has a heightened sensitivity to allergens, which requires her to avoid certain foods.

Late Middle English: from Latin 'sensitivus', from 'sensus' meaning 'feeling'.

sensitivity training

A type of training that aims to help individuals recognize and manage their own biases and develop empathy toward others.

sensitivity to criticism

The tendency to be easily hurt or offended by criticism.

heightened sensitivity

An increased awareness or responsiveness to stimuli, often referring to emotional perceptions.

sensitive

Having the capacity to respond to physical stimuli or emotional nuances.

sensitization

The process of becoming sensitive or more sensitive to stimuli.

sensibility

The ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional or aesthetic influences.

Too sensitive.

He’s so sensitive, he gets upset over the smallest things.

Emotional fragility.

After what happened, he's been in a sensitivity zone.