sensitivity
noun
L. C. Brown
Did you know?
Do you have acuity or sensitivity?
Acuity is nearly synonymous with at least one sense of sensitivity, yet, as is so often the case with closely related words, there are subtle differences worth observing before you substitute one of these words for the other. Acuity does refer to a form of sensitivity, but it is most often applied to the perceptual senses (as in “visual acuity” or “auditory acuity”). It is also frequently used in reference to the intellect (as in “mental acuity”). Sensitivity has a broader range of meanings than acuity does, including “the capacity of being easily hurt.” It may be used of inanimate objects such as radios (“the sensitivity of the instruments was carefully calibrated”), a context in which acuity is unusual.
Examples of sensitivity in a Sentence
Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 June 2025
Organizations must embrace: • Responsiveness over rigidity • Continuous learning over static optimization
• Signal sensitivity over status reporting
This isn’t hypothetical.
—Gowtham Chilakapati, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
In reversing the slide in recruitment, then, the military could improve its sensitivity to these important concerns.
—Jacob Ware, The Conversation, 12 June 2025
Current Treatment Options for Rosacea for Women in Midlife
Because rosacea can worsen or change in midlife, dermatologists often recommend a tailored approach that takes into account both hormonal changes and skin sensitivity, making midlife a critical time to seek diagnosis and treatment.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensitivity
Cite this Entry
“Sensitivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensitivity. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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sensitivity
noun
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sensitivity
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