stringent

[ strin-juhnt ]

adjective

1. rigorously binding or exacting; strict; severe:

   stringent laws.

   Synonyms: restrictive

   Antonyms: flexible

2. compelling, constraining, or urgent:

   stringent necessity.

3. convincing or forcible:

   stringent arguments.

   Synonyms: effective, powerful, forceful

4. (of the money market) characterized by a shortage in money for loan or investment purposes; tight.

stringent

/ ˈstrɪndʒənt /

adjective

1. requiring strict attention to rules, procedure, detail, etc
2. finance characterized by or causing a shortage of credit, loan capital, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈstringency, noun
• ˈstringently, adverb

Other Words From

• stringent·ly adverb
• non·stringent adjective
• un·stringent adjective
• un·stringent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of stringent¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin stringent- (stem of stringēns ), present participle of stringere “to draw tight”; -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of stringent¹

C17: from Latin stringere to bind

Synonym Study

See strict.

Example Sentences

The Home Office said the scheme had taken dangerous weapons "off our streets" and that compensation claims had "undergone stringent review".

From BBC

Wales and Australia have less stringent restrictions on overseas players coming into their national set-up.

From BBC

During energy questions in the Commons, Coutinho said making "already stringent carbon emission targets even higher" would require a "shift away from meat and dairy" and "less travel".

From BBC

"I think the church is incredibly stringent with its rules for every day vicars and those lower down the scale about what to do when abuse is reported to you," Mr Morse said.

From BBC

At the top of his agenda: pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to give the green light on waivers so that the state’s more stringent vehicle emissions standards can take effect.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• binding
• demanding
• draconian
• exacting
• forceful
• harsh
• inflexible
• ironclad
• rigorous
• severe
• stiff
• strict
• tough