Word
rigidity
Phoneticsrigid·i·ty
US/ɹɪˈdʒɪdəti/
UK/ɹɪdʒˈɪdɪti/
Definition
n. a lack of flexibility or the inability to change. In economics, it describes a situation where prices or wages do not change even when the market conditions do.
n. the state of being inflexible or resistant to change. In an economic context, it refers to the inability of prices, wages, or other economic variables to adjust to changes in supply or demand.
Examples
“The economy suffered from price rigidity during the crisis.”
“Economists often argue that wage rigidity can lead to high unemployment if the labor market cannot adjust to new conditions.”
“The central bank's policy of maintaining interest rate rigidity during the inflationary period proved ineffective, as it failed to account for the rapid shifts in consumer spending patterns.”
Examples
simple
“The economy suffered from price rigidity during the crisis.”
contextual
“Economists often argue that wage rigidity can lead to high unemployment if the labor market cannot adjust to new conditions.”
complex
“The central bank's policy of maintaining interest rate rigidity during the inflationary period proved ineffective, as it failed to account for the rapid shifts in consumer spending patterns.”
Real-World Examples
“Glass backs are common on smartphones because they’re good for radio performance, and they add significant rigidity to the design.” “In Europe finances have created a rigidity that is hard to break, with the best players ending up at a handful of clubs.” Etymology
From rigid + -ity, from Latin rigiditas.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/rigidity