rigid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rigid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is stiff, inflexible, or strict in terms of rules or structure. Example: "The company's rigid policies made it difficult for employees to adapt to changing circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The idea that men should only wear pants is such a rigid and old-fashioned way of thinking," Gray told me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our beliefs can elevate and inspire, and well-policed secularism – a version of secularism that doesn't itself become an alternative set of rigid, aggressive beliefs – could help us to do both.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ours is an age of faith as a path to control on a very wide scale – something rigid, paranoid and utterly destructive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Also, a lack of political will and rigid cultural norms do not favour the improvement of conditions for women, people with disabilities or minorities.

The Guardian

Some cultural norms around food are simply too rigid, and head-on insects would be regarded as a meal too far.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People who use rigid lenses should replace their cases at least every three months, use recommended contact lens solution and never mix the fresh solution with the old.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If there is no deal, and if we see that Germany remains rigid and wants to blow Europe apart, then we will have to go to plan B," said Panos Kammenos, who heads the leftist-led administration's junior rightwing partner Independent Greeks.

The Guardian

It's exciting to see a new generation of girls who already feel able, aged as young as eight, to stand up for themselves and declare their right to step outside the rigid pink and blue boundaries of gender stereotypes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even when the people we work with understand how illogical these rigid roles can be, even when they realise how negatively it has affected their lives, and even when they know that changing these attitudes and beliefs will be beneficial for them and their loved ones, it still feels foreign.

The Guardian

The girls are often born into slavery in a rigid caste system where "noble-borns", usually lighter-skinned Moors, indirectly or directly own darker-skinned Moors or black Africans.

The Guardian

In particular, the prospect of another period of rigid pay restraint means that real-terms pay cuts will continue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like rules or policies, use "rigid" to convey inflexibility and resistance to change. For example, a "rigid" set of guidelines leaves little room for interpretation.

Common error

While "rigid" is appropriate in formal settings to describe strict adherence to rules or physical stiffness, avoid using it in informal contexts where alternatives like "uptight" or "inflexible" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The word "rigid" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of inflexibility, stiffness, or strictness. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its role in characterizing both physical objects and abstract concepts like rules or social norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rigid" is a versatile adjective used to describe a lack of flexibility, strictness, or stiffness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While grammatically sound, it is advisable to consider the formality of the context, using "rigid" primarily in neutral to formal settings. When in doubt, consider synonyms like "inflexible" or "strict".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflexible

Indicates a lack of flexibility in physical form or in adherence to rules.

unyielding

Suggests an inability to bend or give way under pressure; can apply to physical objects or opinions.

strict

Emphasizes adherence to rules or standards; often used in the context of discipline or regulation.

stiff

Implies a lack of ease in movement or a lack of warmth in manner.

firm

Suggests a solid or unyielding quality; can refer to physical objects or decisions.

unbending

Highlights the inability to be influenced or swayed from a course of action or belief.

dogmatic

Stresses the assertion of opinions as undeniable truths, with little room for discussion.

stringent

Indicates the imposition of severe or exacting standards.

adamant

Implies unwavering determination or resistance to persuasion.

set in stone

Signifies something that is permanent and unchangeable.

FAQs

What does "rigid" mean?

"Rigid" means stiff or inflexible; not easily bent or changed. It can also describe someone strict and unwilling to compromise.

How can I use "rigid" in a sentence?

You can use "rigid" to describe physical objects (e.g., "a "rigid structure"") or abstract concepts (e.g., "a "rigid policy"").

What are some synonyms for "rigid"?

Alternatives include "inflexible", "strict", "stiff", "unyielding", and "firm".

When is it inappropriate to use "rigid"?

Avoid using "rigid" in very informal conversations. Alternatives like "uptight" or "inflexible" may be more suitable in such contexts.