English · Word Candidate

rugged

/ˈɹʌɡ.ɪd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Broken into sharp or irregular points; uneven; not smooth; rough.

Adjective

Examples

BY and by, after a rugged climb, we halted on the summit of a hill which commanded a far-reaching view.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Not neat or regular; irregular, uneven.

Adjective

Examples

Commercially produced yarn, such as rayon, produces a cloth with a smoother, shinier look than hand-spun cotton, but the uneven, rugged look of hand-spun cotton can be quite appealing.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Having a rug or rugs.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Covered with a rug.

Adjective

Examples

Please put sharp objects on the rugged shelf.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “rugged” mean?

Broken into sharp or irregular points; uneven; not smooth; rough.

Is “rugged” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.