Stringent/ˈstrɪndʒənt/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Negative Emotion Often carries a negative feeling because it implies something is difficult to comply with. The employees grumbled about the stringent new regulations. Pro Tip 2/3Not Flexible Indicates a lack of flexibility or room for exceptions in rules or standards. The stringent laws left no space for unusual circumstances. Pro Tip 3/3Control Implied Suggests control or discipline being enforced by an authority. The government enforced stringent measures to control the outbreak.