stiff

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "stiff" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something rigid or inflexible, whether physically or metaphorically. An example is: "The fabric was too stiff to drape properly." Alternative expressions include "rigid" and "inflexible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jürgen Klinsmann famously likes to set his players stiff challenges.

The Guardian - Sport

The broad agreement, negotiated by the US and other world powers, is facing stiff opposition from Republicans on Capitol Hill and received only a lukewarm reaction from Democrats.

The Guardian

Despite stiff competition from a succession of crises during his 17-year tenure as president, Blatter admitted that the charges of "rampant, systemic and deep-rooted corruption" presaged by dawn raids in Zurich and revealed by US authorities on Wednesday were "shocking and unprecedented" in their scale.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm a wreck and I need a stiff drink.

The Guardian - Sport

His public demeanour was stiff and formal in movement and speech.

The Guardian

You need a stiff drink, and then unfortunately you're in a place where you can't really get alcohol".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Woodward, who conducted a February poll showing Rubio polling in single digits, said the senator faces "stiff competition" but will improve as voters get to know him better.

The Guardian

"At the moment there's nothing in between us writing a charity a stiff letter, which they can and do ignore, and using formal powers in a statutory inquiry".

The Guardian

He has a brisk, stiff air of wishing he was somewhere else.

The Guardian - Opinion

In March, for the first time, Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, dictated the stiff terms that would have to be met for Berlin to accede to a Greek bailout.

The Guardian - Business

Clarke fought his stiff back and Cook battled a technical fault but neither panicked nor changed their method.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In culinary writing, reserve the term for specific textures, such as egg whites beaten to a "stiff peak".

Common error

Avoid using "stiff" as an adverb when describing an action in formal writing; use "stiffly" instead. For example, write "He walked stiffly toward the podium" rather than "He walked stiff" unless you are intentionally using a colloquial tone.

Linguistic Context

In the provided Ludwig examples, "stiff" primarily functions as an adjective used to modify both concrete and abstract nouns. It often acts as an intensifier, signaling a high degree of resistance, difficulty, or concentration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Lifestyle

10%

Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "stiff" is a highly versatile and very common term in English, primarily used to denote rigidity or intensity. Data from Ludwig shows that it is a favorite in high-authority media for describing "stiff competition", "stiff opposition", and "stiff penalties". Whether you are describing a physical sensation, a social interaction, or a regulatory environment, "stiff" provides a succinct way to convey strength and inflexibility. While it can also be used as a noun or a verb in more informal or specific settings, its role as an adjective remains its most prominent and useful function in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rigid

Focuses more on the physical inability to bend or change shape.

inflexible

Commonly used for rules or people who refuse to change their minds.

fierce competition

A more intense alternative to describe highly competitive situations.

severe penalties

Replaces the adjective in legal or regulatory contexts to emphasize harshness.

formal demeanor

Specifies the social or behavioral aspect of being unrelaxed.

strong drink

A direct equivalent for describing high alcohol content.

strained muscles

Describes the physical sensation of post-exercise discomfort.

unyielding opposition

Emphasizes a refusal to give way in political or social debates.

starchy

A more informal or descriptive way to call someone's behavior excessively formal.

shortchange

An alternative verb when referring to failing to pay or tip adequately.

FAQs

How to use "stiff" in a sentence?

You can use "stiff" to describe physical objects, as in "The new leather boots were very "rigid"", or metaphorical situations like "The team faced "stiff competition" in the finals".

What can I say instead of "stiff competition"?

You can use synonyms like "fierce competition", "tough competition", or "intense rivalry" depending on the level of difficulty you want to convey.

What does a "stiff drink" mean?

A "stiff drink" refers to a beverage with a high concentration of alcohol. Alternatives include "strong drink" or "potent cocktail".

Is it correct to say "stiff penalties"?

Yes, it is highly common in journalism and law to describe harsh punishments as "stiff penalties". You could also say "severe sanctions" or "heavy fines".