rough-hewn

adjective

ˈrəf-ˈhyün 

1

: being in a rough, unsmoothed, or unfinished state : crudely formed

rough-hewn beams

2

: lacking refinement

… charming in a rough-hewn kind of way.

—Timothy Ferris

Synonyms of rough-hewn

• clumsy
• rough
• crude
• rude
• rough-and-ready
• primitive
• flawed
• rough-and-tumble
• imperfect
• artless

Examples of rough-hewn in a Sentence

a survivalist living in a rough-hewn shelter in the wilderness

a rough-hewn kid who had to learn how to behave properly in polite company

rough-hewn military cadets feeling a little self-conscious at their first formal dance

Recent Examples on the Web

And through it all, Butler’s rough-hewn charm remains intact. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

What is certain is that, with a lyrical albeit rough-hewn alt-rock act as its headliner, this will be a different sort of Blizzard B-Day. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026

Each is unique with rustic-chic furnishings like rough-hewn four-poster beds, clawfoot tubs, and wood-burning stoves or original stone fireplaces. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025

Dishes are simple but visually striking, served on rough-hewn wooden tables by servers in linen aprons and fashionable sneakers. —Lindsey Tramuta, Saveur, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rough-hewn

• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon
• cartoon
• cocoon
• festoon
• gaboon
• harpoon
• immune
• impugn

Kids Definition

rough-hewn

adjective

ˈrəf-ˈhyün

1

: being rough or unfinished

rough-hewn beams

2

: lacking smooth manners or social grace