What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sensitivity
Example
She has a high sensitivity to criticism and gets upset easily. [sensitivity: noun]
Example
The artist's work shows a great sensitivity to color and light. [sensitivity: noun]
susceptibility
Example
His susceptibility to peer pressure led him to make poor decisions. [susceptibility: noun]
Example
Children are more susceptible to colds and flu than adults. [susceptible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sensitivity is more commonly used than susceptibility in everyday language, especially in emotional or psychological contexts. Susceptibility is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sensitivity and susceptibility?
Both sensitivity and susceptibility can be used in formal or informal contexts, but susceptibility is more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, making it slightly more formal than sensitivity.
