Sensitive: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing someone who is easily affected by emotions, changes, or external factors. This term can also apply to delicate objects or topics.

• She is very sensitive to criticism.
• This is a sensitive topic; please be careful.

Appropriate when describing someone who experiences strong emotions or shows emotions very easily.

• He became very emotional during the speech.
• She is known to be quite emotional about her work.

Best used when describing someone who is easily offended or upset. Has a slightly negative connotation.

• Be careful with him, he's quite touchy about his weight.
• This is a touchy subject for many people.

Applicable when referring to someone or something that is easily influenced or harmed, often by external factors or changes. Typically used in a more neutral or scientific sense.

• Children are more susceptible to colds and flu.
• He is susceptible to flattery.

Used to describe someone or something that is open to harm or attack, either emotionally, physically, or situationally. It implies a need for protection.

• Children are vulnerable to many dangers when left unsupervised.
• After the breakup, she felt very vulnerable.

Used when referring to someone who feels emotions deeply or reacts strongly to stimuli.

• He is very sensitive to criticism.
• The sensor is sensitive to changes in temperature.

Implied when someone or something reacts quickly and positively to changes or instructions.

• The new software is highly responsive.
• She was responsive to feedback from her team.

Refers to someone who easily becomes annoyed or angry. This word often has a negative connotation.

• He is irritable when he doesn't get enough sleep.
• After the long flight, she was feeling irritable.

Best used to describe something that requires careful handling or is easily damaged; also used for describing subtle or fine details.

• The glass vase is very delicate.
• She made a delicate adjustment to the painting.

Often used to describe someone who is gentle and caring, or something that is soft and easy to break or chew.

• He gave her a tender look.
• The meat was so tender it fell off the bone.

Use this word when talking about information or topics that need to be handled with care because they can easily cause emotional reactions or are fragile in nature.

• Her medical history is sensitive information
• Be careful, this is a very sensitive topic for him

Use this word for information that is meant to be kept private and shared only with authorized people, often in a professional or legal context.

• Please keep this document confidential
• The meeting contained confidential information about the merger

Use this word for information or activities that pertain to one's personal life or are intended to be kept away from public scrutiny.

• She shared some private details about her life with me
• His private conversation was not meant to be overheard

Use this word for information that has been officially deemed restricted by a government authority or organization, often for national security purposes.

• The documents were classified and not accessible to the general public
• He has clearance to access classified files

Use this word for information intentionally kept hidden from others, often to prevent certain reactions or outcomes.

• They planned a secret party for her birthday
• He told me his deepest secret