rigging: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Technical (nautical); Informal/Idiomatic (fraud)
Quick answer
What does “rigging” mean?
The system of ropes, chains, and tackle used to support and control the masts, sails, and yards of a sailing vessel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The system of ropes, chains, and tackle used to support and control the masts, sails, and yards of a sailing vessel; also, the equipment or apparatus for a specific purpose.
The act of setting up or manipulating something dishonestly or unfairly to achieve a desired outcome, especially in elections, competitions, or markets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in both nautical and fraudulent contexts. No significant lexical difference.
Connotations
In both varieties, the fraudulent sense carries strong negative connotations of corruption and deceit.
Frequency
The fraudulent sense is more common in general discourse than the nautical sense in contemporary usage.
Grammar
How to Use “rigging” in a Sentence
[verb] + rigging: investigate/ uncover/ prevent/ deny + the rigging[adjective] + rigging: widespread/ elaborate/ blatant/ sophisticated + riggingrigging + [preposition]: rigging of (the election), rigging in (the market)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rigging” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They attempted to rig the leadership ballot.
- He rigged up a temporary aerial for the radio.
American English
- The company rigged the bidding process.
- We rigged a tarp for shade.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The rigging crew worked through the night.
- A rigging point failed during the test.
American English
- The rigging specialist inspected the stage.
- Follow the rigging diagram carefully.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to illegal manipulation of markets, bids, or prices (e.g., 'The cartel was fined for price rigging').
Academic
Used in political science and economics to describe electoral fraud or market manipulation.
Everyday
Commonly used to describe any situation perceived as unfairly manipulated (e.g., 'The contest was rigging from the start').
Technical
In sailing, theater, or construction, refers to the physical ropes, wires, and hardware for supporting loads.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rigging”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rigging”
- Using 'rigging' as a verb (the verb is 'to rig'). Confusing 'rigging' (noun) with 'wriggling' (moving).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In its original nautical, theatrical, or industrial contexts, it is a neutral technical term for equipment. The negative sense applies specifically to fraudulent manipulation.
Both involve unfair manipulation. 'Gerrymandering' is specifically the redrawing of electoral district boundaries to favour a party. 'Rigging' is a broader term for any fraudulent manipulation of an election or other process.
The word 'rigging' itself is a noun. The related verb is 'to rig' (e.g., 'to rig an election').
It's a phrase (originating from sailing) meaning to make a temporary repair or assembly using whatever materials are at hand. It is not related to legal juries.
The system of ropes, chains, and tackle used to support and control the masts, sails, and yards of a sailing vessel.
Rigging is usually formal/technical (nautical); informal/idiomatic (fraud) in register.
Rigging: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪɡɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪɡɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The fix is in”
- “A rigged game”
- “Stack the deck”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a pirate RIGGING the ship's sails (nautical) and RIGGING the vote so his captain wins (fraudulent).
Conceptual Metaphor
SYSTEM IS A STRUCTURE (nautical); CORRUPTION IS A MACHINE (fraudulent).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'rigging' most likely refer to honest, skilled work?