time-sensitive

[ tahym-sen-si-tiv ]

adjective

1. (of a product, document, or information) useful or relevant for only a limited amount of time:

   These time-sensitive papers must be signed immediately.

2. Chemistry. having properties that physically change with the passage of time:

   When stored for prolonged periods, time-sensitive chemicals can become extremely hazardous.

time-sensitive

adjective

1. physically changing as time passes
2. only relevant or applicable for a short period of time

Word History and Origins

Origin of time-sensitive¹

First recorded in 1925–30; time ( def ) + sensitive ( def )

Example Sentences

Humanity cannot afford business as usual when donor dollars are underutilized, especially when we have a time-sensitive opportunity to save lives.

From Salon

Humanity cannot afford business as usual when donor dollars are underutilized, especially when we have a time-sensitive opportunity to save lives.

From Salon

The tech can also flag questions in an email that a user didn’t answer, summarize memos and prioritize notifying users on time-sensitive messages, such as when a delivery has arrived, so the note doesn’t get lost in their inbox.

From Los Angeles Times

Time-sensitive imports, such as food, are likely to be among the goods first impacted.

From BBC

Berry responded in a Friday filing that such a delay would cause “detrimental harm” to their son, whom she said has fallen severely behind in school and is in “critical need for time-sensitive interventions to ensure his success in school and in life.”

From Los Angeles Times