# stringent

/ˈstɹɪndʒənt/ (US) · /stɹˈɪndʒənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stringent
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

very strict and precise. You use this to describe rules, laws, or tests that must be followed exactly and are hard to pass.

For teachers: imposing rigorous standards or requirements; precise and exacting. Often describes regulations, safety protocols, or financial controls.

## Examples

- The airline has stringent safety rules.
- To ensure public safety, the government introduced stringent new laws regarding chemical waste disposal.
- The university maintains stringent entry requirements to ensure that only the most dedicated students are admitted to its prestigious medical program.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.