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)
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 Pull-on Jeans deliver the appearance of classic denim with none of the rigidity that usually comes with it.
—
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Huntington's disease can include involuntary jerking or writhing movements, muscle rigidity or contracture, slowed or unusual eye movements, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, and trouble with speech or swallowing.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
This system has drawn heavy criticism in the past for its rigidity and impact to mental health.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
The vehicle will additionally incorporate a fuselage-frame structure, in which the body panels themselves create rigidity.
—Ben Coxworth
may 01, New Atlas, 1 May 2026
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.
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Huntington's disease can include involuntary jerking or writhing movements, muscle rigidity or contracture, slowed or unusual eye movements, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, and trouble with speech or swallowing.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
This system has drawn heavy criticism in the past for its rigidity and impact to mental health.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
The vehicle will additionally incorporate a fuselage-frame structure, in which the body panels themselves create rigidity.
—Ben Coxworth
may 01, New Atlas, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rigidity
Cite this Entry
“Rigidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigidity. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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
