rigidity

noun

ri·​gid·​i·​ty rə-ˈji-də-tē How to pronounce rigidity (audio)
plural rigidities
1
: the quality or state of being rigid
2
: one that is rigid (as in form or conduct)

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 musical turns the tenets of evangelicalism on its head, mocking the rigidity of modesty and purity culture. Brittani Samuel, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 In that altered state of consciousness, any sense of rigidity and hierarchy is relaxed. Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2024 Are you fed up with the rigidity of the 9-5 workday? Melissa Houston, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Liquid is fluid; its meaning is pliable, even when applied to the rigidity of ritual. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Feb. 2024 The instructions the brain is trying to send to the body struggle to get through, resulting in the characteristic tremors, rigidity, and freezing of gait seen in sufferers. Amit Katwala, WIRED, 8 Feb. 2024 Completely losing all rigidity, Magliano’s collections speak of a group of poetic outsiders who do not want to get involved in male power games but feel the need to build a credible alternative on the fringes of society and fashion. Andrea Batilla, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2024 There’s a certain level of rigidity in the way that things can be presented. Essence, 19 Jan. 2024 Unlike buckwheat pillows, the millet ones have more fluidity and are ideal for those who prefer less rigidity. Sixteen Ramos, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rigidity was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near rigidity

Cite this Entry

“Rigidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigidity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

rigidity

noun
ri·​gid·​i·​ty rə-ˈjid-ət-ē How to pronounce rigidity (audio)
plural rigidities
: the quality or state of being rigid: as
a
: abnormal stiffness of muscle
muscle rigidity symptomatic of Parkinson's diseaseDiane Gershon
b
: emotional inflexibility and resistance to change

More from Merriam-Webster on rigidity

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