1. the quality of being extremely thorough, careful, or strict
2. harsh or difficult conditions
3. stiffness of the body after death
Usage: medical

Examples

• The scientific study was conducted with great rigor.
• Academic rigor is essential for a quality education.
• The soldiers endured the rigors of winter training.
• Mountain climbers face the rigors of extreme weather.
• The professor demanded intellectual rigor from his students.
• She approached the research with methodical rigor.
• The rigors of medical school test students’ dedication.