rugged

/ˈrʌɡɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈrʌɡɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈrə-gəd/ (ame, mw)

rugged — adjective

  • ruggedpositive
  • more ruggedcomparative
  • most ruggedsuperlative

1. describing land that has rocks, steep parts, and an uneven surface that is hard

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing land that has rocks, steep parts, and an uneven surface that is hard to cross.

例句

Felipe slowed the jeep on the rugged mountain road after sunset.

collocation: rugged mountain road

Goats moved easily across the rugged hills above Anong's village.

同義詞
  • rocky

    more specific — highlights the presence of rocks rather than rough shape in general

  • rough

    broader — can describe any uneven surface, not only land

  • mountainous

    focuses on many mountains; a coastline can be rugged without being mountainous

反義詞
  • smooth

    having an even surface without rough parts

  • level

    flat rather than steep or uneven

文法句型

rugged + noun (terrain, coast, road, hills)

be + rugged

用法筆記

Most often used for land, coastlines, paths, and other natural surfaces. It focuses on rough shape and difficult travel, not simply on the presence of a few stones.

常見錯誤

❌The hikers crossed a very ruggedly path.
✅The hikers crossed a very rugged path.
💡Use the adjective 'rugged' before a noun; 'ruggedly' is an adverb.

2. strong and not easily damaged, so it stays useful in rough conditions.

2.形容詞B2
釋義

strong and not easily damaged, so it stays useful in rough conditions.

例句

Joon packed a rugged phone case before the rafting trip.

collocation: rugged phone case

The workers chose rugged boots for the muddy building site.

collocation: rugged boots

同義詞
  • sturdy

    very close — common for solid objects that do not bend or break easily

  • durable

    focuses on lasting a long time rather than looking tough

  • robust

    slightly more formal — often used for systems, health, or strong design

反義詞
  • fragile

    easily damaged or broken

  • delicate

    light or fine in a way that needs careful handling

文法句型

rugged + noun (boots, phone, watch, backpack)

be + rugged enough for + noun

用法筆記

Common for equipment, clothing, and vehicles meant for outdoor use or hard work. It can also describe a strong physical build, but it is not usually about personality.

常見錯誤

❌I need a more delicate bag for mountain work, so choose the rugged one.
✅I need a more rugged bag for mountain work, so choose the stronger one.
💡'Rugged' means tough and hard to damage, not delicate.

3. having strong, rough-looking facial lines that many people find attractive.

3.形容詞C1
釋義

having strong, rough-looking facial lines that many people find attractive.

例句

The actor's rugged face made him perfect for the war film.

collocation: rugged face

Heather sketched the old fisherman's rugged features in charcoal.

collocation: rugged features

同義詞
  • striking

    broader — means very noticeable or impressive, not specifically rough-looking

  • weathered

    emphasises age and marks from outdoor life more than attractiveness

  • handsome

    broader and more neutral — does not necessarily suggest rough facial lines

反義詞
  • delicate

    having fine, soft-looking features

  • smooth

    lacking the rough, strong lines suggested by 'rugged'

文法句型

rugged face

rugged features

rugged good looks

用法筆記

Often used in descriptions of men's faces, especially in films, novels, and magazines. It suggests strength and character more than smooth or delicate beauty.

常見錯誤

❌She has a rugged voice that sounds gentle.
✅She has a rugged face with strong lines.
💡This sense normally describes facial appearance, not a sound.

4. very hard and tiring, testing how much strength or determination you have.

4.形容詞C1
釋義

very hard and tiring, testing how much strength or determination you have.

例句

The family spent three rugged winters in a cabin without running water.

collocation: rugged winters

Rescuers were trained to work in rugged conditions above the tree line.

collocation: rugged conditions

同義詞
  • harsh

    focuses on severity of conditions or treatment

  • gruelling

    stronger — stresses extreme physical or mental effort

  • tough

    more general — can describe many kinds of difficulty

反義詞
  • easy

    not difficult or tiring

  • comfortable

    free from hardship or physical strain

文法句型

rugged + noun (conditions, life, journey, training)

be + rugged

用法筆記

Common with words for living conditions, travel, and work that push the body or mind hard. It suggests endurance under severe conditions rather than simple busyness.

常見錯誤

❌The maths quiz was rugged, so everyone felt nervous.
✅The mountain crossing was rugged, so everyone felt exhausted.
💡This sense is more natural for harsh conditions or physically demanding experiences than for an ordinary test.