Touchiness

Touchiness is a noun that refers to the quality of being easily offended or upset. It describes a state of heightened sensitivity to criticism, remarks, or various stimuli, often leading to emotional reactions that can be disproportionate to the actual offense. Individuals who exhibit touchiness may struggle with feelings of insecurity or vulnerability, resulting in defensive behavior. This characteristic can affect personal relationships and communication, as it may hinder open and constructive dialogue.

Touchiness meaning with examples

• In the workplace, George’s touchiness about his project feedback made his colleagues hesitant to offer constructive criticism. They worried that any comment might send him into a defensive spiral, so they avoided discussing his work altogether, which ultimately hindered the team’s progress. This led to a lack of collaboration, as no one felt comfortable sharing their insights with him, and important opportunities for improvement were missed as a result.
• During family gatherings, Sarah’s touchiness regarding political discussions turned what could be an engaging conversation into a series of awkward silences. Whenever someone brought up a contentious topic, her emotional reactions would create tension, causing relatives to steer clear of meaningful exchanges. The atmosphere felt heavy with unspoken opinions and the fear of triggering her feelings, which meant that their time together was often spent avoiding deeper conversations.
• At school, Kevin’s touchiness became apparent when his peers tried to joke with him about his performance in sports. What was meant to be light-hearted fun turned into a major issue when he stormed out, feeling deeply hurt. His friends didn't realize how sensitive the topic was for him, and as a result, they felt confused and guilty about the situation, further complicating their friendships through unintentional misunderstandings.
• While discussing art preferences, Lisa's touchiness over her favorite painter led to an uncomfortable rift in the conversation. What began as a light debate quickly escalated when she felt her taste was criticized. Her jumpy responses made others uneasy, causing them to avoid expressing their opinions entirely. This incident highlighted how touchiness can stifle open dialogue and prevent new ideas from being shared, emphasizing the need for patience in discussions.