diamond in the rough
noun phrase
: one having exceptional qualities or potential but lacking refinement or polish
Examples of diamond in the rough in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ethan has been a diamond in the rough, so to speak.
—
Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The experience with Duncan Robinson showed that with a properly motivated player, the Heat’s developmental program could turn a diamond in the rough into a showpiece.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2025
But the personnel department — shout out to them — kind of found a diamond in the rough.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
As luck would have it, the Red Sox wound up finding a diamond in the rough mere hours after dealing Teel away.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
Since the trade, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a diamond in the rough, and he will soon be named first-team All-NBA a third straight year.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2025
Colorado, hoping for a diamond in the rough, selected him with the 1,143rd overall pick.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 May 2025
Both albums are fantastic, but this one is the true diamond in the rough for my money.
—Liza Lentini, SPIN, 21 Feb. 2025
The 25-year-old has proven to be a diamond in the rough for the Jets, who would probably like to keep their 2021 fifth-round pick after his breakout campaign in 2024.
—James Boyd, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
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Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The experience with Duncan Robinson showed that with a properly motivated player, the Heat’s developmental program could turn a diamond in the rough into a showpiece.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2025
But the personnel department — shout out to them — kind of found a diamond in the rough.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
As luck would have it, the Red Sox wound up finding a diamond in the rough mere hours after dealing Teel away.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
Since the trade, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a diamond in the rough, and he will soon be named first-team All-NBA a third straight year.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2025
Colorado, hoping for a diamond in the rough, selected him with the 1,143rd overall pick.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 May 2025
Both albums are fantastic, but this one is the true diamond in the rough for my money.
—Liza Lentini, SPIN, 21 Feb. 2025
The 25-year-old has proven to be a diamond in the rough for the Jets, who would probably like to keep their 2021 fifth-round pick after his breakout campaign in 2024.
—James Boyd, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Diamond in the rough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diamond%20in%20the%20rough. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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