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

Before joining the Red Sox organization, Danny Kirwin demonstrated persistence and a fastball that appeared to be a diamond in the rough. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

A man of the people, a working-class hero, a diamond in the rough unearthed by political operatives riding the high of Mamdani’s rise—the narrative, in and of itself, was a winning strategy. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 15 July 2026

But underneath her sad and filthy exterior, rescuers discovered an incredible diamond in the rough. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2026

But, yes, a diamond in the rough would come in quite handy at the moment at 601 Biscayne. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for diamond in the rough

• buff
• cuff
• duff
• fluff
• gruff
• hough
• huff
• luff
• muff
• puff
• ruff
• scruff