Thin-skinned

Adjective; describes a person who is easily offended or sensitive to criticism and perceived slights. The term can also refer to physical characteristics, indicating a lack of protective barriers, whether emotional or biological. When applied in a social context, thin-skinned individuals are often quick to take offense or react negatively to feedback, whether constructive or not. This figurative expression highlights emotional fragility and an inability to tolerate challenges to one's pride or feelings.

Thin-skinned meaning with examples

• After receiving constructive feedback during the team meeting, Jenna realized she was being thin-skinned. Rather than listening to suggestions, she felt personally attacked and closed herself off to improvement, missing a valuable opportunity for growth.
• David is known to be thin-skinned when it comes to discussions about his work. Even light-hearted jokes among friends often lead him to believe that they are mocking his efforts, resulting in discomfort and tension within the group.
• During a debate, Lisa's thin-skinned nature became apparent when she reacted strongly to opposing viewpoints. Rather than addressing the argument, she became defensive, which detracted from the overall discussion and alienated her peers.
• Tom's thin-skinned attitude often leads to misunderstandings at family gatherings. When his relatives tease him about his choices, he perceives the comments as personal attacks, which creates an awkward atmosphere for everyone involved.
• The thin-skinned athlete struggled with criticism from fans and the media, often taking comments to heart. This emotional response could impact his performance, as he became anxious about meeting external expectations instead of focusing on his game.