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

Some of the best ready-to-wear suits on the market come from such brands, whose wholly distinctive points of view provide a welcome departure from the rigidity of many bespoke tailors’ house styles. —Aleks Cvetkovic, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2025

Popular on Variety Frank is a by-the-book type whose rigidity is in part a battle against PTSD from the WW2 military service shown in heavy-handed flashbacks. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025

Slowly, too, his naivety and theological rigidity began to fall away. —Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2024

Storytelling is another arena where the rigidity of old is giving way to much greater flexibility and choice that consumers have at their fingertips. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025

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