English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word rough in English

What does rough mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

rough

US /rʌf/
UK /rʌf/
"rough" picture

Adjective

1.

having an uneven or irregular surface; not smooth or level

Example:
•
The old wooden table had a rough surface.
•
The road was rough and full of potholes.
Synonym:
unevenirregularcoarsebumpyjagged
Synonym:
smoothevenlevel
2.

not gentle or delicate; violent or harsh

Example:
•
He gave the door a rough shove.
•
The boxer delivered a rough punch.
Synonym:
harshviolentbrutalforcefultough
Synonym:
gentledelicatesmooth
3.

difficult and unpleasant

Example:
•
They had a rough time during the economic crisis.
•
It was a rough day at work.
Synonym:
difficulthardtoughunpleasantarduous
Synonym:
easypleasantsmooth
4.

done or made quickly and without much detail or precision; approximate

Example:
•
He made a rough sketch of the building.
•
Give me a rough estimate of the cost.
Synonym:
approximatecrudebasicpreliminarysketchy
Synonym:
preciseexactdetailed

Adverb

1.

in a rough manner; roughly

Example:
•
He treated her rough, and she didn't like it.
•
The waves crashed rough against the shore.
Synonym:
harshlyviolentlybrutallyforcefully
Synonym:
gentlysmoothly

Noun

1.

a difficult or unpleasant experience or period

Example:
•
He's been through a lot of rough lately.
•
We hit some rough on the journey.
Synonym:
hardshipdifficultytroubleadversity
Synonym:
smooth sailingeasy time
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Related Word:
rough outrough cut