rigid

adjective

rig·​id ˈri-jəd How to pronounce rigid (audio)
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
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 Women are now discouraged from driving, and gender segregation is more rigid. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024 Meticulous but not rigid offense that got the ball pinging from one side to the other, players turning down merely-good looks for wide-open shots. Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 My whole practice has been so much about the eerie, ghostly longing of these times, rather than being so formal and rigid. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 This structure allows the whales to keep a rigid open airway when breathing, Tecumseh Fitch, a co-author of the study and cognitive biologist at the University of Vienna, says in the statement. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 And unlike other options, it’s made with rigid denim—no elastane to be found—that’ll mold to your body over time. Jake Smith, Glamour, 22 Feb. 2024 Psychological inflexibility refers to a rigid and narrow way of thinking and behaving, leading to difficulties in adapting to new situations and coping with stress. Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Conducive to this are HR practices that allow people to be specialists, not generalists, for example annual appraisals that aren’t overly rigid on precise competencies and allow for overall contribution to be personalized. Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Danny is often rigid and hellbent on delivering justice — and isn’t afraid to bend the rules to do so. Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rigid was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rigid

Cite this Entry

“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigid. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rigid

adjective
rig·​id ˈrij-əd How to pronounce rigid (audio)
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 How to pronounce rigid (audio)
: deficient in or devoid of flexibility : characterized by stiffness
rigid muscles

More from Merriam-Webster on rigid

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