adj
Uncommon
rigorous
RIH-guh-ruhs
Rigorous (adj) means Extremely thorough, careful, and exacting. Example: “The medication went through rigorous testing before release.”
adj
1
Extremely thorough, careful, and exacting.
"The medication went through rigorous testing before release."
"The students followed a rigorous routine of checking every answer twice."
"Only a rigorous inspection will reveal the tiny cracks in the bridge."
2
Harsh or severe.
"They endured a rigorous winter in the mountains."
"The rigorous climate of the far north makes farming very difficult."
"Life on the island was rigorous, with little food and constant cold."
How to use rigorous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishVery strict, thorough, and demanding — used for careful processes as well as harsh conditions.
Common pairings
rigorous testing
rigorous training
rigorous standards
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more rigorous
- Superlative
- most rigorous
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Can you complete this real example?
The medication went through _____ testing before release.
Etymology
From Middle French rigoreus, from Late Latin rigōrōsus (\"stiff, inflexible\").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for rigorous
See all rhymes for rigorous →Frequently asked questions
What does “rigorous” mean?
The word “rigorous” means extremely thorough, careful, and exacting. In plain terms, very strict, thorough, and demanding — used for careful processes as well as harsh conditions.
How do you pronounce “rigorous”?
“Rigorous” is pronounced RIH-guh-ruhs (/ˈɹɪɡəɹəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “rigorous” in a sentence?
Here is “rigorous” used in a sentence: “The medication went through rigorous testing before release.”
What is another word for “rigorous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “rigorous” include painstaking, scrupulous and strict.
What is the opposite of “rigorous”?
The opposite of “rigorous” — its antonyms — are arbitrary, capricious and whimsical.
What part of speech is “rigorous”?
“Rigorous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “rigorous” come from?
The word “rigorous” comes from Late Latin. From Middle French rigoreus, from Late Latin rigōrōsus (\"stiff, inflexible\").
Is “rigorous” a common word?
“Rigorous” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "rigorous" and "rigid"?
"Rigorous" describes a process, method, or standard that is extremely thorough and exacting, such as a rigorous investigation. "Rigid" describes something inflexible or unwilling to change, which can be a negative trait rather than a mark of thoroughness.
Can "rigorous" describe a person, or only a process?
"Rigorous" most naturally describes methods, standards, training, or analysis, such as "rigorous testing," but it can extend to a person's approach or discipline, as in "a rigorous researcher." It is less commonly used to describe personality traits directly.
What is the difference between "rigorous" and "thorough"?
"Thorough" simply means complete and detailed, covering everything necessary. "Rigorous" adds a sense of strictness and exacting standards, implying the process leaves no room for error, as captured in its harsher secondary meaning of being severe.
