sensitivity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sensitivity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as both a noun and an adjective. Example sentence: The course taught participants to develop their emotional sensitivity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The official, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue, said photographs from North Korea showing a rocket launched from the sea appeared to be authentic.

The Guardian

Cameron said she had shown enormous sensitivity to past issues and problems, as well as the opportunities for the future.

The Guardian

Highlighting its extreme sensitivity, the Afghan government did not formally announce the intelligence-sharing deal and denied that Pakistan will train and equip Afghan officers.

The Guardian

A number of studies have analyzed the observations, and recent changes in Earth's temperature, to say something about climate sensitivity.

The Guardian

The lobbying push underlines the sensitivity surrounding Pope Francis's highly anticipated encyclical on the environment, whose aim will be to frame the climate change issue as a moral imperative.

The Guardian

The lawyers will forgive Gove for not being one of them if he approaches his new role with a measure of humility and sensitivity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Muslim and anti-fascist groups questioned the prime minister's judgment and sensitivity to the issues, saying he had handed a propaganda coup to the hard-right English Defence League as 3,000 of its supporters marched through Luton chanting anti-Islamic slogans.

The Guardian

This sensitivity means it's good at detecting infection in people with low amounts of parasites in their blood.

The Guardian

Broomhead says a recent poll by FSI of its members found that they felt they had difficulty accessing basic information on independence, transparency, sensitivity and clarity of guidelines.

The Guardian

Labor's deputy leader and foreign affairs spokeswoman, Tanya Plibersek, expressed surprise that a policy shift of such sensitivity had been telegraphed by someone other than the prime minister, Tony Abbott, or the foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop.

The Guardian

They thus note, "Using short records with uncertain forcings of the Earth system that is not in equilibrium does not (yet) produce reliable estimates of climate sensitivity".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing emotional or interpersonal matters, use "sensitivity" to indicate a thoughtful and empathetic approach.

Common error

Avoid equating "sensitivity" with fragility or weakness. True "sensitivity" involves strength, empathy, and a nuanced understanding of complex situations.

Linguistic Context

The noun "sensitivity" typically functions to denote the quality of being sensitive, whether in a physical, emotional, or technical sense. Ludwig AI provides examples showcasing this diverse range of applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensitivity" is a versatile noun that signifies the quality of being sensitive. According to Ludwig AI, its use spans from emotional awareness to technical measurement. It is commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and scientific contexts. Alternatives include "awareness", "responsiveness", and "understanding". Remember that "sensitivity" should not be confused with weakness, but rather understood as a strength involving empathy and nuanced understanding. When writing, use "sensitivity" to convey thoughtful and empathetic approaches and consider the context to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awareness

Focuses more on the conscious perception and understanding of something.

responsiveness

Highlights the ability to react appropriately to stimuli or situations.

empathy

Focuses on the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

understanding

Emphasizes a cognitive grasp of complex issues or emotions.

discernment

Highlights the ability to judge well.

awareness and consideration

Expands on simple awareness by adding a component of thoughtful regard.

refined sensibility

Indicates a cultivated appreciation for subtle nuances and aesthetics.

acute perception

Emphasizes the sharp and discerning quality of perceiving subtle details.

tact

Emphasizes skill and diplomacy in dealing with others or with difficult issues.

delicate handling

Highlights the careful management of sensitive situations or information.

FAQs

How is "sensitivity" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "sensitivity" is used to describe a quality of being considerate or aware of others' feelings or a technical measure, as in the "sensitivity" of a scientific instrument. For example, "The negotiator showed great /s/tact and /s/understanding during the difficult discussions".

What are some alternatives to "sensitivity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "awareness", "responsiveness", or "understanding" to convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "sensitivity" and "sensitiveness"?

"Sensitivity" and "sensitiveness" are often used interchangeably, but "sensitivity" is the more common and generally preferred term. "Sensitiveness" is considered somewhat archaic.

In what contexts is "sensitivity" particularly important?

"Sensitivity" is crucial in various contexts, including interpersonal relationships, cultural interactions, political negotiations, and scientific measurements, where a high degree of awareness and consideration is required.