What does supersensitive mean?
Supersensitive describes a degree of sensitivity that is unusually high, often so high that it becomes difficult to manage. In ordinary conversation, the word usually characterizes a person who reacts strongly to criticism, conflict, social signals, or other emotional stimuli. It may imply excessive reactivity rather than refined perception, so it can sound mildly critical or judgmental when applied to an individual. In technical and scientific contexts, supersensitive can instead praise exceptional responsiveness: a supersensitive detector may register very small changes in light, pressure, sound, or chemical concentration. The word is therefore broader and more emphatic than sensitive, and it should not be used when ordinary sensitivity was intended. Its usefulness lies in capturing both ends of the scale: the person overwhelmed by a remark and the instrument capable of detecting the faintest trace.
adjectiveExcessively sensitive, especially to criticism, emotions, or external stimuli. In technical contexts, it can mean exceptionally responsive to a physical quantity or measurement.
- Excessively sensitive to emotions, criticism, conflict, or external stimuli.
- Exceptionally responsive to physical, sensory, or instrumental input.
"The novel's supersensitive protagonist reads betrayal in every casual remark."
"He became supersensitive after months of criticism and began treating every disagreement as a personal rejection."
"The supersensitive detector registered changes in pressure too small for ordinary instruments to measure."
Supersensitive turns sensitivity up past the point of subtlety, where a raised eyebrow can feel like a verdict.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supersensitive come from?
The English word combines the Latin prefix super-, meaning “over, beyond, or above,” with sensitive. Sensitive comes through Latin sensitivus, “perceptive or sensitive,” from sentire, “to perceive or feel.” The combination expresses a degree of sensitivity that goes beyond the ordinary standard.
Related word forms
How supersensitive is actually used
When describing a person's reactions, the term often suggests excessive emotional reactivity and can sound judgmental. In scientific and engineering contexts, it is more neutral and denotes exceptionally high responsiveness.
Easily confused with supersensitive
Hypersensitive indicates an unusually strong or excessive sensitivity, while supersensitive is often a broader, more emphatic term that can also describe exceptional responsiveness in technical contexts.