rigidity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rigidity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or thing that is inflexible and unable to be changed easily. For example, "The financial institution had a reputation for rigorous regulations and a certain degree of rigidity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The tone of pop music has lately shifted toward self-actualization, and the art that captured our imaginations in 2014 showed people doing what they want, defining themselves how they want, and breaking free of societal rigidity.

The Guardian - Music

Haines wrote: "He is not a Marxist but he has some of the Marxist rigidity of thinking.

The Guardian

A court order that requires a strict equality in arrangements for daily family life forces a rigidity that is sure to break.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That would be nasty in and of itself, given what we have learned about wage rigidity over the course of this business cycle.

The Economist

In the end, Mr de Jager's menaces count for much less than Mr Schäuble's; if Greece is to be cut loose the decision will be taken in Berlin, not The Hague.The FT's Quentin Peel recently recently had an interesting piece on the reasons for Germany's rigidity:Postwar Germany is both profoundly provincial and committed to Europe.

The Economist

If Mrs Merkel wants to save the euro, therefore, she must challenge her country's economic establishment, and explain to voters why the revered Bundesbank's rigidity is wrong.Drowning the euro in dogmaGerman orthodoxy ignores the possibility that rising bond yields are being driven by a self-fulfilling panic in financial markets.

The Economist

That leaves two years in the middle".This once again contributes to partisan rigidity.

The Economist

And it has the greatest concentration of creative talent, most of it foreign, thanks to the stifling rigidity of the French educational system.

The Economist

If parties are going to centralise those things they care about most, regardless of whether there is a consensus, it does not bode well for American federalism.Party gamesThe party system is an even more egregious example of ideology fostering centralisation and rigidity.

The Economist

A current scandal is the Blockseminar an ingenious system whereby an academic turns up briefly at the university and delivers an entire term's teaching in the space of a weekend, before returning to the unhurried pursuit of private knowledge.Similar stories come from Spain and Italy, where universities are plagued by rigidity and corruption.

The Economist

Neither plastic, though, is suitable for fabricating replacement parts for a lawnmower, a child's bicycle or a vintage car, in which mechanical strength and rigidity are crucial.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like economic policies or personal behaviors, use "rigidity" to underscore a lack of adaptability or willingness to change. This adds a critical dimension to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "rigidity" when you mean "rigor". "Rigor" refers to thoroughness and precision, while "rigidity" denotes inflexibility. For example, use "rigor" when describing a scientific study's meticulous design, not its "rigidity".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rigidity" is as a noun. It refers to the state or quality of being rigid. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something that is inflexible and unable to be easily changed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "rigidity" functions as a noun signifying inflexibility or resistance to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and versatile across various contexts, although it is most prevalent in news, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. While the term can be used to add a critical dimension to an analysis, it's important not to confuse it with words like "rigor". The term has several alternatives, namely "inflexibility", "stiffness", and "firmness", and all of them can be swapped for "rigidity" in order to add nuances to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflexibility

Focuses on the inability to bend or adapt.

stiffness

Emphasizes a lack of ease or fluidity in movement or behavior.

lack of adaptability

Highlights the inability to adjust to new conditions.

lack of flexibility

Directly states the absence of adaptability.

resistance to change

Focuses on the opposition to alterations or modifications.

firmness

Highlights the quality of being solid and unyielding.

lack of pliability

Emphasizes the absence of the ability to be easily bent or molded.

strictness

Refers to adherence to rules or principles without deviation.

unyielding nature

Stresses the resistant and uncompromising character.

inflexion

Highlights the characteristic of being fixed and unchangeable.

FAQs

How can I use "rigidity" in a sentence?

You can use "rigidity" to describe a lack of flexibility or the state of being unyielding. For instance, "The financial institution had a reputation for rigorous regulations and a certain degree of rigidity."

What words are similar to "rigidity"?

Similar words include "inflexibility", "stiffness", and "firmness", each emphasizing different aspects of being unyielding.

Is it better to aim for "rigidity" or flexibility in a business strategy?

Generally, flexibility is more desirable. "Rigidity" can hinder a company's ability to adapt to market changes, while flexibility allows for quicker responses and innovation.

What's the difference between "rigidity" and "severity"?

"Rigidity" refers to inflexibility or an inability to change, while "severity" implies harshness or seriousness. One might describe a punishment as having "severity" but a bureaucratic process as having "rigidity".