What does defensiveness mean?
A state of being overly sensitive or defensive in response to criticism or perceived criticism, often leading to an emotional or aggressive reaction. This can manifest as a tendency to become easily offended or to justify one's actions or opinions.
Example
"Her defensiveness made it difficult for her to accept constructive feedback from her colleagues."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.