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

The establishment’s rigidity is most evident with respect to COVID’s origins. —Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

From the rigidity of billable hours to the outdated communication systems and office politics, the system didn’t make sense. —William Jones, USA Today, 17 May 2025

The look is a master class in contrast—the rigidity of the leather a perfect foil for the airy fabric adorning her bottom half. —Ángela Moreno Vallejo, Glamour, 9 May 2025

Stay true to your March vote, board members, and hire an interim CPS boss who won’t risk the system’s insolvency because of the mayor’s myopic ideological rigidity. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1624, 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