Word
rudimentary
Phoneticsrudi·men·ta·ry
US/ˌɹudəˈmɛntɝi/
UK/ɹˌuːdɪmˈɛntəɹi/
Definition
adj. very basic or simple. You use this to describe something that is not fully developed or only covers the most important parts.
adj. relating to an immature, undeveloped, or basic form. Often describes skills, knowledge, or biological structures that are in an early stage of evolution or development.
Examples
“He only has a rudimentary knowledge of French.”
“The early settlers built rudimentary shelters using only the branches and mud they found nearby.”
“While the species exhibits rudimentary social behaviors, it lacks the complex hierarchical structures observed in more advanced primates.”
Examples
simple
“He only has a rudimentary knowledge of French.”
contextual
“The early settlers built rudimentary shelters using only the branches and mud they found nearby.”
complex
“While the species exhibits rudimentary social behaviors, it lacks the complex hierarchical structures observed in more advanced primates.”
Usage
Typically used to describe systems, skills, or physical structures; often carries a slightly negative tone if more complexity is expected.
Real-World Examples
“But these puzzles, like the platforming, are somewhat rudimentary, causing you to only briefly pause and ponder without ever yielding oh-so-satisfying “aha” moments.” “Artists likely visited the cave many times between 13,000 and 41,000 years ago, with only torches and rudimentary lamps to help them avoid dangerous falls and cave bears with claws capable of lacerating stone.” “Alex McKee, 17, is said to have died instantly when picking up the showerhead in a bathroom described as “outdoor and rudimentary” on Kimolos.” Etymology
From rudiment + -ary.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/rudimentary