rigid

adjective

rig·​id ˈri-jəd 

1

a

: deficient in or devoid of flexibility

rigid price controls

a rigid bar of metal

b

: appearing stiff and unyielding

his face rigid with pain

2

a

: inflexibly set in opinion

b

: strictly observed

adheres to a rigid schedule

3

: firmly inflexible rather than lax or indulgent

a rigid disciplinarian

4

: precise and accurate in procedure

rigid control of the manufacturing process

5

of an airship : having the outer shape maintained by a fixed framework

rigidly adverb

rigidness noun

Synonyms

• brassbound
• cast-iron
• exacting
• hard-line
• inflexible
• rigorous
• strict
• stringent
• uncompromising

Choose the Right Synonym for rigid

rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern.

rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

synonyms see in addition stiff

Examples of rigid in a Sentence

The patient's legs were rigid.

He is a rigid disciplinarian.

Recent Examples on the Web

Let go of rigid expectations and instead embrace the magic of just being yourself and going with the flow. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025

However, adults often stop asking as much, constrained by fear of judgment, rigid workplace expectations, or prioritization of efficiency. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Massage kale with a high-quality olive oil for incorporation into a salad (the additional step breaks down the leaf's rigid structure and cuts the bitterness, blend into a homemade pesto, or sauté with lemon and garlic and enjoy as a side. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2024

There’s no rigid formula for who gets a wax replica in one of the twenty-three Tussauds around the world. —Zach Zimmerman, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rigide, from Latin rigidus, from rigēre to be stiff

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

rigid

adjective

rig·​id ˈrij-əd 

1

: not flexible : stiff, hard

2

a

: very fixed in one's opinion or habits : unyielding

b

: carefully observed : scrupulous

follows a rigid exercise program

3

: exact and accurate in procedure

rigidity

rə-ˈjid-ət-ē

noun

rigidly

ˈrij-əd-lē

adverb

rigidness noun

Etymology

from Latin rigidus, "rigid," from rigēre "to be stiff" — related to rigor mortis

Medical Definition

rigid

adjective

rig·​id ˈrij-əd 

: deficient in or devoid of flexibility : characterized by stiffness

rigid muscles