frigidity

USAGE SUMMARY

"frigidity" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is typically used to describe a lack of emotion, enthusiasm, or warmth. For example, "The teacher's frigidity towards her students made them feel unwelcome in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A highlight was a spectacular row (now a hit on YouTube) in which Mr Reich-Ranicki implicitly accused a fellow-panellist, the Austrian Sigrid Löffler, of frigidity after she mocked the clunky sex scenes in a novel by the Japanese author Haruki Murakami.

The Economist

SOMETIMES a little frigidity can do wonders for your sex life especially if the aim is reproduction.

The Economist

The scratchiness, frigidity and occasional pomposity of their predecessors, Gerhard Schröder, Jacques Chirac and Tony Blair, who between them have dominated European debate for around a decade, are a thing of the past, as is the biggest bone of contention: the decision to go to war in Iraq in March 2003.

The Economist

By doing this, Mrs Merkel bears much of the blame for the current frigidity, says Jürgen Trittin, of Germany's Green Party: she "confused a strategic friendship between our two countries with an ideological bond to the former president".On a scale of one to ten, the friendship now rates lower than two, says Ronja Kempin at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

The Economist

Aristotle criticized Alcidamas for his improper and too-frequent use of adjectives and deplored his frigidity of style.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lay term frigidity encompasses three distinct problems recognized by sex therapists: inability to experience a sexual response of any kind; ability to achieve sexual arousal only with great difficulty (hyposexuality); and the inability to achieve orgasm (anorgasmia).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thatcher and Reagan, who together made the 1980s the decade of conservatism, shared a vision of the world in which the Soviet Union was an evil enemy deserving of no compromise, and their partnership ensured that the Cold War continued in all its frigidity until the rise to power of the reform-minded Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although he was to repudiate the term (and the theory behind it) by the 1970s, Kanner also coined the phrase "refrigerator mother" to describe the supposed emotional frigidity of parents who he thought caused, or at least contributed to, their children's autistic behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because of the derogatory connotations that have become associated with the term frigidity, it has been replaced in the vocabulary of sex therapists by the general term hypogyneismus, the inability of a woman to obtain sexual satisfaction under otherwise appropriate circumstances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Conversely, too much inhibition can be personally destructive, resulting in the neurotic inability to feel or express certain emotions, or in sexual frigidity or impotence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because these terms impotence and frigidity have developed pejorative and misleading connotations, they are no longer used as scientific classifications, having been superseded by more specific terms; however, both terms remain in common usage, with a variety of meanings and associations (see frigidity; impotence).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "frigidity", be mindful of its potentially insensitive connotations, especially in discussions related to sexuality. Consider using more neutral or clinical terms when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "frigidity" as a blanket term for all forms of sexual dysfunction. The term has specific historical and cultural baggage, and it's more precise to refer to specific conditions or symptoms.

Linguistic Context

The term "frigidity" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state or quality of being cold, unemotional, or sexually unresponsive. It is used to describe both physical coldness and emotional or sexual detachment. Ludwig examples highlight its use in describing emotional states and sexual health contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frigidity" is a noun with multiple layers of meaning, encompassing both literal coldness and, more commonly, a lack of emotional or sexual warmth. While grammatically sound, its usage requires sensitivity due to its potential to offend or pathologize. Ludwig examples reveal its prevalence in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides context of use. When seeking alternative expressions, phrases like "emotional detachment" or "lack of warmth" may serve as more neutral substitutes. As with any potentially loaded term, choose your words thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional frigidity

A more descriptive term that specifies the type of "frigidity".

coldness

Emphasizes the absence of emotion and affection.

emotional coldness

Emphasizes a lack of emotional warmth or empathy.

lack of warmth

Focuses on the absence of emotional warmth or affection.

lack of passion

Indicates a deficiency in enthusiasm or strong emotion.

lack of sexual desire

Specifically addresses the absence of libido or sexual interest.

emotional detachment

Highlights the state of being emotionally distant and uninvolved.

absence of ardor

Highlights a lack of enthusiasm or passion.

sexual dysfunction

A more clinical term referring to difficulties experienced during any phase of sexual activity.

lack of enthusiasm

Focuses on the absence of excitement and interest.

FAQs

How can I use "frigidity" in a sentence?

You can use "frigidity" to describe a lack of warmth, emotion, or sexual desire, such as "The character's emotional frigidity created a barrier in her relationships" or "The political climate was marked by a frigidity in diplomatic relations".

What's a more sensitive alternative to "frigidity" when discussing sexual health?

Instead of "frigidity", consider using more neutral terms like "sexual dysfunction", "low libido", or "anorgasmia" to avoid potentially offensive connotations and promote more respectful communication. You can also use "lack of sexual desire".

What is the historical context of the term "frigidity"?

Historically, "frigidity" was used as a medical term to describe a woman's perceived lack of sexual responsiveness. However, it's now considered outdated and potentially derogatory due to its association with pathologizing female sexuality.

Is "frigidity" the same as asexuality?

"Frigidity" is not the same as asexuality. Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction to others, while "frigidity" traditionally referred to a perceived dysfunction. Asexuality is a normal variation of human sexuality, while "frigidity" is considered outdated and potentially offensive.