sensitivity

noun
UK: /ˌsensɪˈtɪvəti/
US: /ˌsensəˈtɪvəti/

  1. The quality of being easily affected by something.

    1. She has a sensitivity to bright light.
    2. Skin sensitivity is a common problem during the winter months.

  2. An understanding of other people's feelings.

    1. He showed great sensitivity when I lost my job.
    2. Cultural sensitivity is important when working abroad.

  3. The ability of a device to respond to small changes.

    1. This microphone has high sensitivity.
    2. The test's sensitivity allows it to detect even small amounts of the substance.

  4. A physical reaction, such as an allergy.

    1. I have a sensitivity to dairy products.
    2. Food sensitivities can sometimes be difficult to diagnose accurately.

Synonyms

awareness understanding susceptibility delicacy
sensitivity adjective

  1. Relating to private or secret information, and the degree to which it should be protected.

    1. This is sensitive information.
    2. The document contained highly sensitive data and required careful handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "sensitivity" in English means: The quality of being easily affected by something., An understanding of other people's feelings., The ability of a device to respond to small changes., A physical reaction, such as an allergy..

The phonetic transcription of "sensitivity" is /ˌsensɪˈtɪvəti/ in British English and /ˌsensəˈtɪvəti/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "sensitivity": awareness, understanding, susceptibility, delicacy.

Example usage of "sensitivity": "She has a sensitivity to bright light.". More examples on the page.