rigidity

noun

ri·​gid·​i·​ty rə-ˈji-də-tē 

plural rigidities

1

: the quality or state of being rigid

2

: one that is rigid (as in form or conduct)

Synonyms

• exactingness
• hardness
• harshness
• inflexibility
• rigidness
• rigor
• rigorousness
• severity
• sternness
• strictness
• stringency

Examples of rigidity in a Sentence

sometimes the rigidity of the headmaster's discipline was deemed excessive by even much of the faculty

Recent Examples on the Web

Whereas some scholars resign themselves to the rigidity of academia, Giovanni, who was an English professor at Virginia Tech until 2022, remained committed to learning new lessons. —Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024

Despite the linear rigidity of cardboard, there are ample curves in What World’s debut collection, from the structured round tote to the dimpled sides of the travel bag. —Marissa Muller, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024

The rigidity of the heel makes these shoes difficult to take on or off hands-free. —Samson McDougall, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

The first was the rigidities of fascism, which divided the world into the vital and the decadent, the essential and the discardable, the us and the them. —Thomas Meaney, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

rigidity

noun

ri·​gid·​i·​ty rə-ˈjid-ət-ē 

plural rigidities

: the quality or state of being rigid: as

a

: abnormal stiffness of muscle

muscle rigidity symptomatic of Parkinson's disease

—Diane Gershon

b

: emotional inflexibility and resistance to change