stiffness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'stiffness' is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is usually used to refer to an attribute of an object - an object that does not bend or move easily, or to describe an inflexible attitude. For example, "He was struck by the stiffness of his father's embrace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's more, his genial stiffness and shy self-awareness give him a kind of awkward dignity compared to the preening smugness of Cruz.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is some arm stiffness inevitable, and what do I do to prevent it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In southern Europe roughly one in 20 air-conditioned offices is now cooled with ice, cutting electricity bills by about 10%.In this section Keeping cool and green Stiletto stiffness The new face of surgery Battling grannies Robo raider ReprintsEven bigger savings could be made with "thermal coolers".

The Economist

He was the first to recommend the drinking of six to eight glasses a day, to protect the joints from stiffness, aid digestion and keep wrinkles at bay.

The Economist

It is thus possible to control the movement of a mass damper or adjust the stiffness of a building's structure using relatively little power.

The Economist

The other is the buttressing role of the thumb, which adds yet further stiffness.

The Economist

Some of the pilots showing off their skills at Farnborough may be the last of their kind.In this section Keeping cool and green Stiletto stiffness The new face of surgery Battling grannies Robo raider Reprints.

The Economist

And, since the stiffness of the suit seems no impediment to running, there seems no need to engineer it out.

The Economist

It forced its employees to post a large bond in case they went off the rails, and bombarded them with detailed instructions about things like the precise stiffness of packaging.

The Economist

He also recruited 9 heel-averse women as a control.In this section Keeping cool and green Stiletto stiffness The new face of surgery Battling grannies Robo raider ReprintsDr Narici began by comparing the volume of calf muscles using magnetic-resonance imaging.

The Economist

In the long winters and cool summers wood would have grown slowly and evenly, creating a lot of stiffness.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical materials, quantify "stiffness" with measurable units like Young's modulus for technical accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "stiffness" when you mean formality in writing style. "Stiffness" describes a lack of physical flexibility or an unyielding demeanor, while formality refers to adherence to conventions and etiquette. Instead of describing writing as having "stiffness", try to write instead about "formality".

Linguistic Context

The word "stiffness" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the quality of being rigid, inflexible, or resistant to bending. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing, and its use spans descriptions of physical objects, materials, and even bodily sensations, as exemplified in the provided contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stiffness" is a common and versatile noun used to describe the property of being rigid, inflexible, or resistant to bending. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it finds application across diverse contexts, from scientific and engineering fields to everyday descriptions of physical sensations and even metaphorical characterizations of behavior. Its grammatical correctness and consistent usage, coupled with its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Economist and Encyclopedia Britannica, solidify its place in standard English vocabulary. While "stiffness" maintains a neutral register, it's important to recognize its varied applications. Using precise language and considering context is paramount in conveying the intended meaning. Whether describing the material properties of an object or the sensation of muscle soreness, "stiffness" provides a clear and concise way to communicate a lack of flexibility or ease of movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rigidity

Emphasizes the quality of being unyielding or inflexible; a direct synonym.

lack of flexibility

Highlights the absence of pliability or adaptability.

inflexibility

Focuses on the inability to bend or be easily modified.

resistance to bending

Describes the opposition to being curved or angled.

tenseness

Suggests a state of being tightly stretched or strained, often in muscles.

firmness

Indicates a solid and unyielding quality, less extreme than "stiffness".

hardness

Emphasizes the solid and impenetrable nature of a material.

immovability

Highlights the inability to be moved or displaced.

lack of suppleness

Indicates an absence of smoothness and ease of movement.

unyielding nature

Focuses on the resolute and inflexible characteristic of something.

FAQs

How can I use the word "stiffness" in a sentence?

You can use "stiffness" to describe the rigidity of a material, such as "The board's stiffness prevented it from bending", or to describe a physical sensation, such as "He felt stiffness in his joints after the long run".

What are some synonyms for "stiffness"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "rigidity", "inflexibility", or "tenseness".

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

"Stiffness" and "rigidity" are often used interchangeably, but "stiffness" can also refer to a temporary condition, like muscle soreness, whereas "rigidity" usually describes a permanent or inherent property.

Is "stiffness" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "stiffness" is appropriate for formal writing when used correctly to describe a physical or mechanical property or a state of being. However, avoid using it metaphorically to describe people or situations if it sounds too negative or informal; consider using alternatives like "formality" or "restraint" instead.