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

Questioning the rigidity of our sense of self has long been at the heart of her art, which has been featured in galleries and art museums all over the country — not to mention at the Venice Biennale — and in magazines like Interview and Artforum. —Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2024

Speaking of rigidity, the company claims the Vision has been tested at its facility in Japan to withstand drops, bends, and years of use. —Sean Hollister, The Verge, 1 July 2024

Other factors were associated with developing Parkinson’s disease: The researchers found that those who had depression, sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive impairment, low blood pressure, tremor, rigidity, balance impairment or constipation were likelier to develop the condition. —Erin Blakemore, Washington Post, 30 June 2024

Parkinson’s disease is typically classed as a movement disorder, and its most familiar symptoms — tremor, rigidity, a slowing known as bradykinesia — are indeed motoric. —Scott Sayare Robert Petkoff Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 14 June 2024

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