sensitivity

sensitivity sen‧si‧tiv‧i‧ty [ˌsensˈtɪvti] noun [uncountable]

1. the degree to which something is likely to be affected by something else:

• Because of their sensitivity to aluminum ingot prices, both companies expect a fall in profits.

• Particular areas of sensitivity include future profits and asset values.

ˈprice sensiˌtivity ECONOMICS

the degree to which a change in the price of something leads to a change in the amount sold or that could possibly be sold; = PRICE ELASTICITY:

• The lengthy recession has increased price sensitivity and pressured profit margins.

2. the quality information has if it needs to be kept secret, and not available to everyone:

• the sensitivity of data such as email

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sensitivity UK US /ˌsensɪˈtɪvəti/ noun [U]

► the quality of being easily influenced or affected by something: »

The preference may be for stocks with less interest-rate sensitivity.

► the fact of a subject, situation, etc. needing to be dealt with carefully or kept secret: »

He spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the issue.

► an ability to understand what other people need, and be helpful to them: »

As a manager, she handles inter-personal issues with great sensitivity.