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

That rigidity probably explains why Gospodinov chooses, against all evidence, to call the book a novel. —James Wood, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

The rigidity that had robbed her of movement began to ease off. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

So there was still a rigidity of behaving and conforming. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025

Removing the roof required a fair amount of engineering to ensure torsional rigidity, including strengthening the door sills, A-pillars, and adding cross-body braces. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2025

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