What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hypersensitivity
Example
Her hypersensitivity to criticism made it difficult for her to receive feedback. [hypersensitivity: noun]
Example
The patient's hypersensitivity to pollen caused severe allergic reactions. [hypersensitivity: noun]
oversensitivity
Example
His oversensitivity to jokes made it hard for him to enjoy social gatherings. [oversensitivity: noun]
Example
She had an oversensitive reaction to the news, bursting into tears at the slightest mention of it. [oversensitive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oversensitivity is more commonly used in everyday language than hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity is a more formal term that is typically used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hypersensitivity and oversensitivity?
Hypersensitivity is a more formal term that is typically used in medical or scientific contexts, while oversensitivity is a more informal term that is used in everyday language.
