rough-hewn

adjective

ˈrəf-ˈhyün 

1

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

rough-hewn beams

2

: lacking refinement

he was rather attractive, in a rough-hewn kind of way

—Jan Speas

Synonyms

• artless
• clumsy
• crude
• jerry-built
• jerry-rigged
• jury-rigged
• rough
• rough-and-ready
• rough-and-tumble
• rude
• unrefined

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

The rustic-contemporary house has whole-log posts, rough-hewn beams, and maple, pine, and beech interiors; a main living space with a massive rock fireplace, wall of windows, and open kitchen with breakfast booth; a Japanese bath; and a library. —The Week Us, theweek, 16 Apr. 2024

Huma Bhabha David Zwirner (February 22–April 13) Art: © Huma Bhabha, Courtesy of the artist and David Zwirner Bhabha’s rough-hewn, totemic sculptures depict demons, deities, and warning spirits. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2024

Robert Irwin, ‘Central Garden’ 1997, mixed media installation; outdoors between the museum and the library Contemporary Land Art is often associated with the West, but usually that means the wide open and rough-hewn deserts of Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024

Inside the cup, the glaze coats a rough-hewn interior that differs from cup to cup. —Jaina Grey, WIRED, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rough-hewn

adjective

ˈrəf-ˈhyün

1

: being rough or unfinished

rough-hewn beams

2

: lacking smooth manners or social grace