roughness

noun

rough·​ness

plural -es

1

: the quality or state of being rough: such as

a

: inequality or unevenness of surface

the roughness of the path

place his fingers on the paper … to perceive roughness

—R. S. Woodworth

b

: a sensation of harshness or sharpness (as to the taste or hearing)

the tea … strong with that roughness which sets one's teeth on edge

—G. E. Fussell

the roughness of their voices grating on his nerves

c

: harsh, rude, or violent speech or behavior

a riverside town well known for roughness

—Harvey Day

d

: violent agitation : storminess

the roughness of the sea

the roughness of the weather

e

: lack of refinement or polish : crudeness

the life of the people had lost … its broad pioneer

—American Guide Series: Tennessee

2

: a rough place or part

the roughnesses remaining after the first revision of an essay

3

Midland : roughage used as fodder

Word History

Etymology

Middle English roughnesse, from rough entry 1 + -nesse -ness

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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Rhymes for roughness

• toughness