# crude

/ˈkɹud/ (US) · /kɹˈuːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crude
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. natural and untreated

adjective · CEFR B2

in a natural state and not yet cleaned or processed.

For teachers: existing in a natural state and not yet subjected to refining or manufacture.

- The factory processes crude sugar into the white crystals we buy in shops.
- The environmental impact of transporting crude materials across the ocean remains a significant concern for international regulatory bodies.

### 2. simple or rough

adjective · CEFR B2

made in a simple or rough way without much skill.

For teachers: characterised by a lack of sophistication, detail, or expert workmanship.

- They built a crude shelter out of branches to stay dry during the storm.
- Early explorers often relied on crude maps that lacked precise longitudinal data but provided essential landmarks for coastal navigation.

### 3. rude or offensive

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

rude and likely to offend people.

For teachers: lacking in culture, refinement, or tact; often used to describe offensive language or jokes.

- He was asked to leave the party after making several crude remarks.
- The comedian's reliance on crude humour alienated a significant portion of the audience who had expected a more nuanced performance.

### 4. not adjusted

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

describing a number or statistic that has not been changed to show more detail.

For teachers: referring to statistics or data that have not been adjusted for specific factors or variables.

- The crude birth rate shows the number of births per thousand people.
- While the crude data suggested a correlation, the researchers needed to control for age and income before drawing a final conclusion.

## Examples

- The price of crude rose sharply this morning.
- Refineries process crude into various products including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to meet global energy demands.
- Economists closely monitor the daily fluctuations in the price of crude, as energy costs significantly influence the production and transportation expenses of almost every other global commodity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.