diamond in the rough
noun phrase
: one having exceptional qualities or potential but lacking refinement or polish
Examples of diamond in the rough in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For years, dating in San Diego felt like trying to find a diamond in the rough.
—
Meredith Corbin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Only later, after learning that the architect was somewhat revered in his homeland, does Van Buren realize that he’s stumbled on a diamond in the rough.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Rare is the example in Timberwolves lore of the franchise discovering a diamond in the rough that no other team saw and polishing that diamond into the type of gem that belongs in a crown.
—Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 24 Apr. 2024
Like many players recruited by Franks, Willoughby was a diamond in the rough at an MLS academy back in 2021.
—Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2024
But Sardinia’s wild south, accessible by car and by flight (Cagliari Elmas Airport connects to Rome and many cities within Italy and the European Union), remains a relative diamond in the rough.
—Hannah Selinger, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2024
Dear Eric: The daughter’s boyfriend in the letter from Protective Parent, who judged the boyfriend for pursuing carpentry rather than going to college, just may be a diamond in the rough.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2024
Finding rare deals like this is, well, like finding a diamond in the rough.
—Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Gross-Matos could be a diamond in the rough, having fled the Carolina Panthers.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 July 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Meredith Corbin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Only later, after learning that the architect was somewhat revered in his homeland, does Van Buren realize that he’s stumbled on a diamond in the rough.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Rare is the example in Timberwolves lore of the franchise discovering a diamond in the rough that no other team saw and polishing that diamond into the type of gem that belongs in a crown.
—Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 24 Apr. 2024
Like many players recruited by Franks, Willoughby was a diamond in the rough at an MLS academy back in 2021.
—Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2024
But Sardinia’s wild south, accessible by car and by flight (Cagliari Elmas Airport connects to Rome and many cities within Italy and the European Union), remains a relative diamond in the rough.
—Hannah Selinger, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2024
Dear Eric: The daughter’s boyfriend in the letter from Protective Parent, who judged the boyfriend for pursuing carpentry rather than going to college, just may be a diamond in the rough.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2024
Finding rare deals like this is, well, like finding a diamond in the rough.
—Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Gross-Matos could be a diamond in the rough, having fled the Carolina Panthers.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Diamond in the rough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diamond%20in%20the%20rough. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share