1. the quality or state of being rigid and not easily bent or moved
2. pain or difficulty in moving muscles or joints
Usage: medical
3. formal or unfriendly behavior; lack of ease in social situations

Examples

• The stiffness of the cardboard made it perfect for the project.
• After sitting for hours, she felt stiffness in her neck and shoulders.
• Morning stiffness in his joints made it hard to get out of bed.
• The stiffness of his posture showed how nervous he was.
• There was an uncomfortable stiffness in their conversation.
• The fabric’s stiffness prevented it from draping naturally.
• Physical therapy helped reduce the stiffness in her back.