Hidebound

Hidebound describes a person or a group excessively rigid in their opinions, beliefs, or practices. It implies a strong adherence to traditional ways, often resistant to change, new ideas, or different perspectives. This inflexibility can stem from fear of the unknown, an overemphasis on established norms, or a lack of willingness to consider alternatives. Hidebound individuals or organizations are often perceived as narrow-minded and resistant to progress, clinging stubbornly to outdated methods and beliefs regardless of their effectiveness or relevance in a changing environment. Their entrenched perspectives can hinder innovation and adaptability.

Hidebound meaning with examples

• The committee, Hidebound by its bylaws, refused to consider any proposal that deviated from the original charter, even when it became clear the existing rules were hampering progress. Their resistance to new technology and modern practices made the company fall behind their competitors, and their outdated approaches led to significant financial losses and damage to their reputation. The rigidity of their adherence to the past held back their innovation efforts, leading to decline.
• The Hidebound professor refused to incorporate any modern research into his lectures, insisting on sticking to the same curriculum he had used for decades. His students found the material outdated and irrelevant, yet he remained unwilling to update the course despite the abundance of fresh evidence and more current topics. His insistence on traditional teaching methodologies hindered the students learning, proving the negative impacts of being hidebound.
• In a field known for innovation, the Hidebound nature of the local library was evident in its outdated collection and lack of digital resources. While other libraries were embracing e-books and online databases, the local branch continued to rely primarily on physical books and a limited selection of media, failing to meet the modern demands of the users. They struggled to modernize their services, ultimately leading to a decline in the number of library visits.
• The Hidebound corporation was criticized for its resistance to flexible work arrangements, even as employees expressed a desire for remote work options. Their refusal to adapt to a changing workplace and modernize its employee expectations led to decreased employee morale and difficulties in attracting new talent. The inflexible policy on hybrid work created an unfriendly work environment leading to employees quitting.
• The Hidebound political party clung to outdated policies, alienating younger voters and preventing meaningful progress on social issues. Their unwillingness to compromise or consider alternative viewpoints isolated them from a broader electorate. The focus on the past left them unable to win new votes and the negative effects of remaining Hidebound led to electoral losses and relevance.