26984 words

sensitivity

12 definitions • 13 examples
1
an ability to understand what other people need, and be helpful and kind to them:

Examples:

The police showed commendable sensitivity in their handling of the case.
2
the quality of being easily upset by the things people say or do, or causing people to be upset, embarrassed, or angry:

Examples:

I should have warned you about her sensitivity to criticism.
3
the fact of a situation, subject, etc. needing to be dealt with carefully in order to avoid upsetting people:

Examples:

Such is the sensitivity of the information that only two people are allowed to know it.
4
having a strong physical reaction to something:

Examples:

One of the side effects of the drug is an increased sensitivity to sunlight.
5

Examples:

The sensitivity of the machine provides us with extremely accurate data.
6
the tendency to become upset about things:

Examples:

[ U ] He didn’t want to say anything because of Susan's sensitivity.
[ C ] He tried to avoid offending their sensitivities.
7

Examples:

[ C ] Many people have food sensitivities or allergies.
8
the quality of needing to be treated with care or secrecy:

Examples:

This issue needs to be approached with special sensitivity.
9
an awareness and understanding, esp. of other people's feelings and needs:

Examples:

A good teacher has enthusiasm, intelligence, and sensitivity to students’ needs.
10
the quality of being easily influenced or affected by something:

Examples:

The preference may be for stocks with less interest-rate sensitivity.
11
the fact of a subject, situation, etc. needing to be dealt with carefully or kept secret:

Examples:

He spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the issue.
12
an ability to understand what other people need, and be helpful to them:

Examples:

As a manager, she handles inter-personal issues with great sensitivity.

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