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

• severity

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

Israeli leaders must look past the ideological rigidity that drives them to oppose any notion of Palestinian self-determination. —Shira Efron, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2025

Versatility enables coherence without rigidity. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

In the third stage, jerky movements become writhing and rigidity. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025

In lagers, for example, the key factor is surface viscoelasticity, or the elasticity and rigidity of the bubble film. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rigidity

• acidity
• aridity
• avidity
• cupidity
• fluidity
• humidity
• liquidity
• lucidity
• morbidity
• placidity
• rancidity
• rapidity

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