What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rugged
Example
The hikers struggled to climb the rugged mountain trail. [rugged: adjective]
Example
He had a rugged face with deep wrinkles and scars. [rugged: adjective]
Example
This backpack is made of rugged material that can withstand extreme weather conditions. [rugged: adjective]
tough
Example
She is a tough athlete who never gives up. [tough: adjective]
Example
It was a tough decision to make, but I had to do it. [tough: adjective]
Example
This phone case is tough enough to protect your device from drops and scratches. [tough: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tough is more commonly used than rugged in everyday language. Tough is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rugged is less common and refers to specific physical characteristics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rugged and tough?
Both rugged and tough can be used in informal and formal contexts, depending on the context and tone of the sentence.
