acuity
noun
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Do you have acuity or sensitivity?
Acuity is nearly synonymous with at least one sense of sensitivity, yet, as is so often the case with closely related words, there are subtle differences worth observing before you substitute one of these words for the other. Acuity does refer to a form of sensitivity, but it is most often applied to the perceptual senses (as in “visual acuity” or “auditory acuity”). It is also frequently used in reference to the intellect (as in “mental acuity”). Sensitivity has a broader range of meanings than acuity does, including “the capacity of being easily hurt.” It may be used of inanimate objects such as radios (“the sensitivity of the instruments was carefully calibrated”), a context in which acuity is unusual.
Examples of acuity in a Sentence
Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2025
The leadup to the 2024 presidential election was marked with frequent speculation about then-President Joe Biden's physical health and mental acuity.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
From tech pioneers to financial strategists, these executives and CEOs stand out for their remarkable mental acuity.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Personal and human connections allow candidates to more effectively communicate their talent, and employers can more effectively evaluate distinctive strengths like interpersonal skills, verbal acuity, and executive functioning–even more important for rising talent who grew up behind a screen.
—Susan Lamotte, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acuity
Cite this Entry
“Acuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acuity. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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acuity
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