adj
Uncommon
rugged
RUHG-ihd
Rugged (adj) means having a rough, uneven, or harsh terrain. Example: “The hikers crossed rugged mountain terrain before reaching camp.”
adj
1
Having a rough, uneven, or harsh terrain.
"The hikers crossed rugged mountain terrain before reaching camp."
2
Sturdy and able to withstand rough treatment or harsh conditions.
"The phone's rugged case survived being dropped on concrete."
3
Having strong, weathered, attractive features.
"He had a rugged look after years of working outdoors."
How to use rugged
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTough, rough, and durable — used for landscapes, equipment, or a weathered, strong appearance.
Common pairings
rugged terrain
rugged construction
rugged good looks
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more rugged
- Superlative
- most rugged
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Can you complete this real example?
The hikers crossed _____ mountain terrain before reaching camp.
Etymology
From Middle English rugged, related to Old Norse words for a rough, shaggy texture.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for rugged
See all rhymes for rugged →Frequently asked questions
What does “rugged” mean?
The word “rugged” means having a rough, uneven, or harsh terrain. In plain terms, tough, rough, and durable — used for landscapes, equipment, or a weathered, strong appearance.
How do you pronounce “rugged”?
“Rugged” is pronounced RUHG-ihd (/ˈɹʌɡ.ɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “rugged” in a sentence?
Here is “rugged” used in a sentence: “The hikers crossed rugged mountain terrain before reaching camp.”
What part of speech is “rugged”?
“Rugged” is an adjective.
Where does the word “rugged” come from?
The word “rugged” comes from Middle English. From Middle English rugged, related to Old Norse words for a rough, shaggy texture.
Is “rugged” a common word?
“Rugged” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “rugged” have?
“Rugged” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a rough, uneven, or harsh terrain.
What is the difference between rugged and sturdy?
Rugged usually describes rough, uneven terrain or a strong, weathered appearance, while sturdy focuses purely on being solidly built and resistant to damage. A rugged landscape or a rugged face has texture and roughness, whereas a sturdy object is simply tough and unlikely to break.
Can rugged describe a person's appearance?
Yes, rugged is commonly used to describe strong, weathered, attractive features, especially in men, suggesting a rough-hewn but appealing look rather than conventional smoothness. This sense is distinct from the terrain and durability meanings of the word.
Is 'rugged' used to describe equipment or devices?
Yes, rugged is often applied to equipment, such as rugged laptops or rugged phones, meaning they are built to withstand rough treatment or harsh conditions like drops, dust, and moisture. This usage draws on the sense of rugged meaning sturdy and resistant to damage.
