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
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.
That property means more energy storage tends to come at the price of more rigidity. Saul Elbein, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025 The reality was that Mavis’s mother didn’t have much time for her, being—like the grandmother in the story—not very maternal, though, in her case, this was attributable not to rigidity but to narcissism. Margaret Atwood, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025 The plate also has hexagonal cutouts that reduce its rigidity on the lateral side but is solid on the medial side. Jonathan Beverly, Outside Online, 12 Mar. 2025 This is a man who lives within the rigidity of his religion, within the confines of residential school. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rigidity

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rigidity was in 1624

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rigidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigidity. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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