rigid

adjective

rig·​id ˈri-jəd How to pronounce rigid (audio)
1
a
: deficient in or devoid of flexibility
rigid price controls
a rigid bar of metal
b
: appearing stiff and unyielding
his face rigid with pain
2
a
: inflexibly set in opinion
b
: strictly observed
adheres to a rigid schedule
3
: firmly inflexible rather than lax or indulgent
a rigid disciplinarian
4
: precise and accurate in procedure
rigid control of the manufacturing process
5
of an airship : having the outer shape maintained by a fixed framework
rigidly adverb
rigidness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for rigid

rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern.

rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

synonyms see in addition stiff

Examples of rigid in a Sentence

The patient's legs were rigid. He is a rigid disciplinarian.
Recent Examples on the Web The story centers around a man caught between two women—his fiancée, who represents conforming to the rules and rigid expectations of upper-class New York, and an enigmatic woman he’s drawn to who dares defy society’s conventions. Christine Pride, SELF, 25 Sep. 2024 Too rigid of goals can sometimes limit your ability to seize new opportunities. Michael Ligon, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 Their legal battles expose the perilous intersection between medical care and rigid legislation. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2024 Plus their rigid, curved plates dictate how the foot rolls, and are tuned to be optimal for fast, efficient runners. Cory Smith, Outside Online, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rigid 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rigid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rigide, from Latin rigidus, from rigēre to be stiff

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rigid was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rigid

Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigid. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

rigid

adjective
rig·​id ˈrij-əd How to pronounce rigid (audio)
1
: not flexible : stiff, hard
2
a
: very fixed in one's opinion or habits : unyielding
b
: carefully observed : scrupulous
follows a rigid exercise program
3
: exact and accurate in procedure
rigidity
rə-ˈjid-ət-ē
noun
rigidly
ˈrij-əd-lē
adverb
rigidness noun
Etymology

from Latin rigidus, "rigid," from rigēre "to be stiff" — related to rigor mortis

Medical Definition

rigid

adjective
rig·​id ˈrij-əd How to pronounce rigid (audio)
: deficient in or devoid of flexibility : characterized by stiffness
rigid muscles

More from Merriam-Webster on rigid

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