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
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
Storytelling is another arena where the rigidity of old is giving way to much greater flexibility and choice that consumers have at their fingertips.
—
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
That’s likely because of his angular pickup’s rigidity.
—Carlton Reid, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2024
Workers today want flexibility and self-control, not rigidity and union control.
—The Editors, National Review, 3 Dec. 2024
The second was the rigidities of liberalism, with its emphasis on the individual at the expense of the network of relations in which that person was embedded.
—Thomas Meaney, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rigidity 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
That’s likely because of his angular pickup’s rigidity.
—Carlton Reid, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2024
Workers today want flexibility and self-control, not rigidity and union control.
—The Editors, National Review, 3 Dec. 2024
The second was the rigidities of liberalism, with its emphasis on the individual at the expense of the network of relations in which that person was embedded.
—Thomas Meaney, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rigidity
Dictionary Entries Near rigidity
Cite this Entry
“Rigidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigidity. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Diane Gershon
b
: emotional inflexibility and resistance to change
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share