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)
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
So the researchers first stripped the wood of lignin, the component that gives it color and rigidity.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
As much as an institutional critique, Szpila has given us a parable on the dangers of fanaticism and the necessity of radicalism, and the obvious parallel between the rigidity of belief systems.
—Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
And there’s this rigidity forming, too, which is worth fighting against.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026
Those dates were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later canceled following Dion's 2022 diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that includes rigidity and stiffness of certain areas of the body, causing unsteadiness, slower movements and difficulties walking.
—Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigidity
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Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
As much as an institutional critique, Szpila has given us a parable on the dangers of fanaticism and the necessity of radicalism, and the obvious parallel between the rigidity of belief systems.
—Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
And there’s this rigidity forming, too, which is worth fighting against.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026
Those dates were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later canceled following Dion's 2022 diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that includes rigidity and stiffness of certain areas of the body, causing unsteadiness, slower movements and difficulties walking.
—Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigidity
Cite this Entry
“Rigidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigidity. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Diane Gershon
b
: emotional inflexibility and resistance to change
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