having an uneven or irregular surface; not smooth or level, not gentle; violent or boisterous, not exact or accurate

rough and tumble, rough around the edges, rough justice

Formal and Informal Expressions of rough

In different contexts, you can replace 'rough' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'uneven, inexact' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bumpy, not smooth' is a commonplace synonym.

rough: Explore its Definition & Usage

rough Definition

1having an uneven or irregular surface; not smooth or level
2not gentle; violent or boisterous
3not exact or accurate

Using rough: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rough" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The road was very rough and bumpy.
Example
He had a rough childhood.
Example
The estimate is only a rough guess.

rough Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for rough

Antonyms for rough

Phrases with rough

rough and tumble
a physical fight or scuffle
Example
The boys were playing rough and tumble in the park.
rough around the edges
not polished or refined; lacking social graces
Example
He's a good guy, but he's a bit rough around the edges.
rough justice
punishment that is too severe or harsh for the crime committed
Example
Some people believe that the death penalty is a form of rough justice.

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Summary: rough in Brief

The term 'rough' [rʌf] describes surfaces that are uneven or irregular, as well as things that are not gentle or exact. Examples include 'The road was very rough and bumpy.' and 'He had a rough childhood.' 'Rough' extends into phrases like 'rough and tumble,' referring to physical fights, and 'rough around the edges,' meaning lacking refinement. The idiom 'rough justice' refers to punishment that is too severe for the crime committed.