Stiff

Characterized by a lack of flexibility or ease of movement; rigid. This can apply physically, to the way someone walks or holds themselves, or metaphorically, to rules, social situations, or a person's demeanor. It can also describe a strong, often unpleasant, intensity or force. It often suggests difficulty, resistance, or a lack of adaptability. The meaning is very dependent on the context as the word has a range of uses including meaning stubborn, strict, firm, or difficult to move.

Stiff meaning with examples

• After sitting in the car for hours, my legs felt incredibly stiff, making it hard to walk at first. The cold wind blew, causing his muscles to stiffen, which then caused a grimace to form on his face. The rules of the game were very stiff, preventing any improvisation or creativity. The painting on the wall appeared stiff, lacking the movement to the overall appearance. The interview was going so bad, it was so stiff to the point where he should've just left.
• Her voice became stiff with anger when she heard the rumors about her. The old book's pages were stiff, and fragile from years of being in storage. The government's stance on the issue remained stiff, showing no signs of compromise. The fabric of the new dress was stiff and uncomfortable against her skin. The weather had taken a turn and became stiff, making it hard for travelers to travel.
• The old man's handshake was surprisingly stiff, conveying a sense of authority and power. The demands made by the labor union were surprisingly stiff, resulting in the negotiations being paused. The rules were followed and seemed stiff to the new recruits. The wind began to pick up, creating stiff waves that battered the coastline. A wave of stiff cold air washed over him as he opened the front door.
• The deadline for the project was stiff, leaving the team with little room for error. The competition was stiff, requiring participants to give it their all if they wanted to even have a chance of winning. After taking the medicine, his back began to stiffen up. The security detail was as stiff as ever when the president was on the premises. The punishment for breaking the law was very stiff and unforgiving.
• His resolve remained stiff despite the constant pressure and criticism. The starched collar on his shirt felt stiff and uncomfortable, especially while he was sweating. The dough was too stiff to knead properly, making it difficult to work with. The policy was so stiff; there was no room for negotiation. They had become stiff friends and didn't ever really enjoy spending time together.