Sensitivities: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe a person's emotional responses or reactions to certain topics or environments. It can also refer to an individual's allergic reactions to food, substances, or situations.

• Her sensitivities to criticism make it hard for her to accept feedback
• His food sensitivities mean he can't eat dairy products

Suitable for discussing one's likelihood of being affected by a disease, condition, or influence. It often has a slightly technical or medical tone.

• Their genetic susceptibility to heart disease requires regular check-ups
• Her susceptibility to peer pressure led her to make poor decisions

This word focuses on physical sensations of pain or discomfort, or emotional gentleness and affection. It can be used in both medical and emotional contexts.

• The doctor checked for tenderness in the swollen area
• His tenderness towards his younger sister is heartwarming

Often used to describe a state of being open to emotional or physical harm. It may have a negative connotation as it implies exposure to potential risks or attacks.

• Her vulnerability after the break-up made her uneasy around new people
• The town's vulnerability to flooding demands urgent attention

Use when you want to talk generally about a group of things that someone reacts to negatively. It can be used in both emotional and physical contexts.

• She has sensitivities to certain foods and medications
• He's careful not to offend anyone’s sensitivities

This is a specific medical term used for reactions to substances that cause the immune system to respond. It is mostly used in physical health contexts.

• She has a peanut allergy and carries an EpiPen
• His allergy to pollen makes springtime difficult

Use when referring to a negative reaction to a substance that does not involve the immune system, usually related to digestion or metabolism.

• Lactose intolerance causes him to avoid dairy products
• She has a gluten intolerance and follows a strict diet

This term is often used in medical and scientific contexts to describe an exaggerated immune response to a substance. It is a more technical term compared to 'allergy'.

• The patient showed hypersensitivity to the drug, necessitating a change in medication
• Hypersensitivity reactions can range from mild to severe

This word is often used to describe the feelings or concerns of people, particularly in situations involving emotional responses or cultural issues.

• We need to consider everyone's sensitivities when planning the event.
• Her sensitivities about the subject made it difficult to discuss openly.

This term is used to describe the speed and quality of a reaction, commonly in customer service or technology.

• The responsiveness of the customer support team was impressive.
• We need to increase the responsiveness of the website.

This is used when referring to the correctness or exactness of information, measurements, or processes.

• The accuracy of the data was crucial for the research.
• We need to improve the accuracy of our predictions.

This word is suitable when emphasizing the detail and exactness, often in measurements, calculations, or technical work.

• The precision of the machine allows for very fine adjustments.
• Her precision in grammar makes her an excellent editor.