What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lumpiness
Example
The mattress had a noticeable lumpiness that made it uncomfortable to sleep on. [lumpiness: noun]
Example
The batter for the cake had a bit of lumpiness, but it smoothed out after mixing. [lumpiness: noun]
roughness
Example
The roughness of the wall made it difficult to paint smoothly. [roughness: noun]
Example
The fabric had a roughness to it that made it uncomfortable against the skin. [roughness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Roughness is more commonly used than lumpiness in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lumpiness and roughness?
Both lumpiness and roughness are relatively informal terms, but roughness may be slightly more formal due to its wider range of applications.
