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 of rigidity

• 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

Open competitive markets undercut rigidities of tradition and ideology. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

When one supplier bottlenecks, the whole organization inherits that rigidity. — Dennis Mitzner, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

The cotton-blend fabric looks and feels like denim, but with less uncomfortable rigidity. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026

Hobbyists constantly ask for bigger build volumes, but scaling a CoreXY machine beyond the typical desktop footprint introduces a very different class of engineering challenges involving motion control, thermal management, rigidity, and reliability. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1607, 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