# rugged

/ˈɹəɡəd/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rugged
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. uneven terrain

adjective · CEFR B2

having a rough, uneven surface, especially with rocks and few plants.

For teachers: describing land or terrain that is broken, rocky, and difficult to travel across.

- The hikers struggled to cross the rugged landscape of the high mountains.
- The rugged coastline of northern Scotland offers breathtaking views but presents significant challenges for those attempting to build permanent structures near the cliffs.

### 2. strong and tough

adjective · CEFR B2

strong and able to handle difficult conditions or hard work.

For teachers: possessing qualities of physical strength, durability, and the ability to withstand hardship.

- You need a rugged pair of boots if you plan to go trekking in the jungle.
- The expedition required rugged individuals who could endure weeks of isolation and extreme cold without complaint.

### 4. durable technology

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

designed to work reliably in very difficult or dirty environments.

For teachers: specifically engineered to operate in harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, moisture, or high vibration.

- The construction crew used rugged tablets that wouldn't break if dropped in the mud.
- The military specifies rugged hardware for field operations to ensure that communication remains stable despite the physical shocks of transport.

## Examples

- The hiker wore rugged boots for the mountain trail.
- The company designed a rugged tablet specifically for engineers working on dusty, outdoor construction sites.
- While the coastline is famous for its rugged beauty, the jagged rocks and unpredictable currents make it a treacherous area for even the most experienced sailors to navigate.

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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.