Inflexibility: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes an unwillingness or inability to change or adapt, often used in professional or formal contexts.

• The company's inflexibility in adopting new technologies led to its downfall

Implies a strict adherence to rules or structure, often used in a negative context to describe a lack of flexibility.

• The rigidity of the school’s dress code frustrated many students

Describes a persistent determination to not change one's mind or position, often used in a negative personal context.

• Her stubbornness made it difficult to reach a compromise

Refers to the act of standing against change or opposing something, often used in both neutral and negative contexts.

• There was a lot of resistance from the community to the new policy

Used to describe a person's or an object's unyielding nature. Often used in contexts where adaptability or change is required but lacking.

• Her inflexibility in negotiations made it hard to reach an agreement
• The inflexibility of the material makes it unsuitable for dynamic applications

Can refer to both physical and metaphorical tightness or lack of flexibility. Often used to describe physical conditions or materials, but also used metaphorically for people or systems.

• The stiffness in his muscles made it hard to move
• The stiffness of the company's policies was frustrating for employees

Often used to describe both physical and metaphorical stiffness. It carries a slightly negative connotation when describing a person’s attitude or a system that does not allow flexibility.

• The rigidity of the rules stifled creativity
• The rigidity of the metal made it very durable

Typically used to describe physical objects that cannot bend. More literal and straightforward than its synonyms, emphasizing the physical characteristic.

• The steel bar's inability to bend under pressure shows its durability
• This type of plastic is characterized by its inability to bend