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

To wit: rough-hewn wooden ceiling beams, a red travertine bar top, and other stone finishes, lush, textured fabrics, and leather straps for window treatments. —Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026

Limón, 46, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has a much calmer personality than many of her rough-hewn male predecessors. —George Skelton, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

Limón, 46, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has a much calmer personality than many of her rough-hewn male predecessors. —Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026

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

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