rugged

adjective

rug·​ged ˈrə-gəd 

1

: having a rough uneven surface : jagged

rugged mountains

2

a

: seamed with wrinkles and furrows : weathered

—used of a human face

b

: showing facial signs of strength

rugged good looks

3

a

: presenting a severe test of ability, stamina, or resolution

b

: strongly built or constituted : robust

those that survive are stalwart, rugged men

—L. D. Stamp

4

a

: rough and strong in character

b

: coarse, rude

c

: austere, stern

5

: turbulent, stormy

rugged weather

6

obsolete : shaggy, hairy

ruggedly adverb

ruggedness noun

Synonyms

• cast-iron
• hard
• hard-bitten
• hardened
• hardy
• inured
• stout
• strong
• sturdy
• tough
• toughened
• vigorous

Choose the Right Synonym for rugged

rough, harsh, uneven, rugged, scabrous mean not smooth or even.

rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface.

a rough wooden board

harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch.

a harsh fabric that chafes the skin

uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality.

an old house with uneven floors

rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel.

a rugged landscape

scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface.

a scabrous leaf

Examples of rugged in a Sentence

the rugged surface of the moon

She did a painting of the region's rugged coastline.

People are attracted to his rugged good looks.

I admire her rugged individualism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than ascending the peak itself, William opted for a more intimate experience along the coastal foothills, a scenic spot known for its sweeping ocean views and rugged terrain. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

With much of its rugged terrain a hindrance to agriculture, mercenaries became a primary export. —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

The materials felt rugged and of excellent quality that will last for years. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024

The lithium-ion battery runs the stroller for 28 miles on level ground, or five on rugged terrain. —Chris Stokel-Walker, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle English *rug

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6

Kids Definition

rugged

adjective

rug·​ged ˈrəg-əd 

1

: having a rough uneven surface

hiking on rugged trails

the rugged surface of the moon

2

: having wrinkles or uneven features

their rugged faces

rugged good looks

3

: having a rough but strong or sturdy character

rugged pioneers

4

: involving hardship : presenting a severe test of physical, mental, or moral strength

a rugged winter

rugged training

the rugged life of a sailor

5

: being strong and tough

rugged enough to stand hard use

ruggedly adverb

ruggedness noun