rugged

adjective rug·ged \ˈrə-gəd\

: having a rough, uneven surface

of a man's face : having rough but attractive features

: strong and determined

Full Definition of RUGGED

obsolete : shaggy, hairy

: having a rough uneven surface : jagged <rugged mountains>

: turbulent, stormy <rugged weather>

a : seamed with wrinkles and furrows : weathered —used of a human face

b : showing facial signs of strength <rugged good looks>

a : austere, stern

b : coarse, rude

c : rough and strong in character

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>

— rug·ged·ly adverb

— rug·ged·ness noun

See rugged defined for English-language learners

See rugged defined for kids

Origin of RUGGED

Middle English, from Middle English *rug

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to RUGGED

Synonyms: cast-iron, hard, hard-bitten, hardened, inured, hardy, stout, strong, sturdy, tough, toughened, vigorous

Antonyms: delicate, nonhardy, soft, tender, weak

Synonym Discussion of 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>.

RUGGEDNESS Defined for Kids