rigid

adjective

rig·​id ˈri-jəd 

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

Synonyms of rigid

• strict
• rigorous

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 vibe of every room is prim and professional, with clean lines and neutral tones, creating spaces that would feel appropriate as the backdrop of a last-minute work Zoom, but not too rigid for the kick-off of a leisure trip. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026

As the disease progresses, muscles throughout the body can become rigid and go into painful spasms. —Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

That’s the deficiency side of integrity—where authenticity gives way to fakery, consistency erodes into unpredictability, and transparency slips into manipulation…But swing too far in the other direction, and the skyscraper becomes overly rigid—too stiff to sway with the wind. —Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

The index provider also cited a rigid investor identification system, restrictions on in-kind transfers and off-exchange transactions, and limits on investment products due to restrictions governing the use of exchange data. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 23 June 2026

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

Rhymes for rigid

• frigid

Kids Definition

rigid

adjective

rig·​id ˈrij-əd 

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 

: deficient in or devoid of flexibility : characterized by stiffness

rigid muscles