What Is Another Way to Say “Thin Skin”?

Looking for synonyms for thin skin? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say thin skin.

  • Sensitivity
  • Touchiness
  • Delicacy
  • Tenderness
  • Fragility
  • Vulnerability
  • Susceptibility
  • Irritability
  • Quickness to take offense
  • Over-sensitivity
  • Emotional fragility
  • Thin-skinnedness
  • Defensiveness
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Soft-heartedness
  • Ease of being upset
  • Proneness to being hurt
  • Quick temper
  • Overreactiveness
  • Emotional vulnerability

Want to learn how to say thin skin professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Sensitivity

Appropriate when referring to a heightened emotional response to criticism or external stimuli.
Example: Given his sensitivity, it’s important to approach feedback sessions with tact and empathy.

2. Touchiness

Best used when describing someone who reacts defensively or with irritation to minor provocations or criticisms.
Example: Her touchiness to feedback made it challenging to discuss areas for improvement.

3. Delicacy

Appropriate for situations involving a need for gentle handling due to emotional vulnerability.
Example: The delicacy of his feelings requires a careful and considerate approach during evaluations.

4. Tenderness

Suitable when highlighting a person’s gentle, sensitive nature, especially in response to emotional situations.
Example: His tenderness towards criticism can sometimes be mistaken for a lack of confidence.

5. Fragility

Used when referring to an individual’s fragile emotional state that can easily be disrupted by harsh words or actions.
Example: The fragility of her emotional well-being necessitates a supportive and positive work environment.

6. Vulnerability

Ideal for situations where openness to emotional hurt is evident, requiring understanding and support.
Example: Acknowledging his vulnerability, the team made efforts to communicate more constructively.

7. Susceptibility

When indicating a predisposition to being easily affected by external comments or actions.
Example: Her susceptibility to criticism affects her willingness to take risks in her work.

8. Irritability

Appropriate for describing a tendency to become easily annoyed or angered, often as a defensive response.
Example: His irritability when receiving constructive criticism can hinder productive dialogue.

9. Quickness to take offense

Useful when describing someone who rapidly perceives criticism or remarks as personal attacks.
Example: His quickness to take offense at suggestions has made colleagues hesitant to provide feedback.

10. Over-sensitivity

When an individual’s reaction to criticism or negative feedback is excessively emotional or defensive.
Example: Over-sensitivity to peer reviews may impede her professional development.

11. Emotional fragility

Describes a state where emotional responses are intensely delicate and easily disturbed by criticism or stress.
Example: Given his emotional fragility, mentors are advised to offer guidance with exceptional care.

12. Thin-skinnedness

Refers to a pronounced sensitivity to critique or negative remarks, often leading to defensive reactions.
Example: Thin-skinnedness in leadership positions can create a culture of hesitancy and silence.

13. Defensiveness

Suitable for situations where there is an immediate, protective reaction to perceived criticism or threat.
Example: His defensiveness during performance reviews can obscure constructive discussions.

14. Hypersensitivity

Describes an extreme level of sensitivity, where even the slightest negative feedback can provoke a strong emotional reaction.
Example: Her hypersensitivity to even mild suggestions has necessitated a tailored approach to communication.

15. Soft-heartedness

Indicates a compassionate and sensitive disposition, especially towards criticism or negative feedback.
Example: His soft-heartedness, while admirable, can sometimes interfere with his decision-making process.

16. Ease of being upset

Refers to the tendency to become emotionally disturbed or upset with little provocation.
Example: The team learns to navigate his ease of being upset by focusing on positive reinforcement.

17. Proneness to being hurt

Highlights a susceptibility to emotional pain from criticisms or negative interactions.
Example: Her proneness to being hurt by offhand remarks has led to implementing a more mindful communication strategy.

18. Quick temper

Describes a rapid move to anger or irritation, especially in response to criticism or challenges.
Example: His quick temper when facing setbacks requires a strategic approach to feedback and support.

19. Overreactiveness

Used when an individual’s response to situations or comments is disproportionately intense or emotional.
Example: To manage her overreactiveness, the team employs clear, positive communication strategies.

20. Emotional vulnerability

Appropriate for describing a state of openness that can lead to being easily hurt by negative feedback or criticism.
Example: Recognizing his emotional vulnerability, the manager adopts a more empathetic approach to leadership.

Linda Brown