1. (physiology) responsiveness to external stimuli; the faculty of sensation
   "sensitivity to pain";
   - sensitiveness, sensibility
    
2. The ability to respond to physical stimuli or to register small physical amounts or differences
   "a galvanometer of extreme sensitivity";
   - sensitiveness
    
3. Responsiveness to emotional feelings (of oneself and others)
   "His sensitivity to others' needs made him an excellent counsellor";
   - sensitiveness
    
4. Susceptibility to a pathogen
   "Her sensitivity to pollen made spring a difficult season";
   - predisposition
    
5. The ability to respond to affective changes in your interpersonal environment
   "Her sensitivity to others' feelings made her an excellent counsellor";
   - sensitiveness

Derived forms: sensitivities

See also: desensitising [Brit], desensitizing, insensitive, sensitising [Brit], sensitive, sensitizing

Type of: ability, feeling, physical property, sensation, sense, sensory faculty, sentience, sentiency, susceptibility, susceptibleness

Antonym: insensitivity

Encyclopedia: Sensitivity