What does oversensitive mean?
Oversensitive means excessively sensitive, particularly to criticism, remarks that may seem insulting, or situations involving rejection or embarrassment. In ordinary use, it suggests that a person's emotional reaction is stronger or more easily triggered than the circumstances reasonably warrant. For example, someone might be called oversensitive if they take a casual comment as a deliberate insult or withdraw from a conversation after minor disagreement. The word can describe a person, a reaction, or an attitude, and it often carries a mildly critical or dismissive tone because it implies excessive sensitivity rather than ordinary vulnerability. It is sometimes confused with simply being sensitive, but oversensitive specifically adds the suggestion of disproportion. The term is most often used in discussion of interpersonal behavior, criticism, workplace communication, and online discourse.
adjectiveOverly sensitive, especially in reacting strongly to criticism, perceived insults, or other emotions.
- Overly sensitive, especially to criticism, perceived insults, or emotional language.
"He was accused of being oversensitive when he objected to a harmless joke."
"The editor was careful not to sound oversensitive when discussing the controversial proposal."
"Some people with sensitive skin may find ordinary soaps irritating, but that does not necessarily mean they are oversensitive."
Oversensitive describes a person who feels a full storm in what others may experience as a light breeze.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oversensitive come from?
The word combines the prefix over-, meaning excessively or beyond a normal degree, with sensitive, which derives through Old French from Latin sensitivus, related to sentire, “to feel” or “to perceive.” The resulting form has long been used in English for someone regarded as excessively affected by criticism or emotional provocation. Its roots ultimately relate to the same Latin family as sensory, sensation, and sensibility.
Related word forms
How oversensitive is actually used
Generally used to describe someone who reacts too strongly to criticism or perceived rejection. It can be dismissive when used by another person, so it should be applied carefully and with specific evidence rather than as a blanket judgment.
Easily confused with oversensitive
Sensitive describes being easily affected by stimuli or emotions, whereas oversensitive adds the implication that this sensitivity is excessive or disproportionate.