stiffness
stiffness Lexical Profile
stiffness Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The quality or state of being rigid, firm, and not easily bent or deformed.
"The extra layer of canvas gives the collar a noticeable stiffness."
An inability to move the muscles or joints easily and without pain, often resulting from exertion, cold, or arthritis.
"Stretching every morning helped relieve the stiffness in her lower back."
A manner or style that is overly formal, awkward, or lacking natural ease and warmth.
"After a few minutes of conversation, the initial stiffness between the new colleagues disappeared."
The quality of being severe, harsh, or difficult to endure or overcome.
"The unexpected stiffness of the competition forced the team to revise their strategy."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English stifnesse, formed from the adjective 'stiff' (from Old English stif, meaning 'rigid, inflexible') and the suffix '-ness'.