sen·si·tiv·i·ty

/ˌsɛnsəˈtıvəti/ noun, pl -ties

1 a : the tendency to become upset about things that are done to you, are said about you, or relate to you

[noncount]

I was surprised by her extreme sensitivity about even the smallest suggestions that we made.

— often + to

his sensitivity to criticism

[count]

Their sensitivities were inflamed by his remarks. [=they became very upset by his remarks]

1 b [noncount] : the tendency to cause people to be upset

the racial sensitivity of this issue [=the tendency of people of certain races to become upset about this issue]

This is a matter of great political sensitivity.

2 a : an awareness and understanding of the feelings of other people

[noncount]

He handled the situation with great sensitivity.

Her decision shows a lack of sensitivity.

I would have appreciated a little more sensitivity from you.

[singular]

— often + to

She has shown a great sensitivity to the needs of her students.

2 b : an awareness of the details or qualities of something

— often + to

He displays a remarkable sensitivity to the subtle nuances of language.

3 : the quality of being easily affected by something in a bad or unpleasant way

[noncount]

skin sensitivity [=the skin's tendency to react in a bad way to substances that touch it]

drug sensitivity = sensitivity to drugs/medications

[count]

He has chemical sensitivities. [=his body reacts badly to certain chemicals]

He has food sensitivities. [=he can't eat certain kinds of food]

— often + to

a sensitivity to light/pollen

4 [singular] : the ability to express your thoughts and feelings through writing, music, etc.

Her singing is characterized by a rich emotional sensitivity.

5 [noncount] : the quality of needing to be handled in a careful or secret way

the sensitivity of this document/data

6 [noncount] technical : the ability of a device to sense very small changes in something

The new refinements have improved the sensitivity of the motion detector.