rude

adjective

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\ ˈrüd

ruder; rudest

Definition of rude

1a : being in a rough or unfinished state : crude

b : natural, raw rude cotton

c : primitive, undeveloped peasants use rude wooden plows— Jack Raymond

d : simple, elemental

2 : lacking refinement or delicacy:

a : ignorant, unlearned

b : inelegant, uncouth

c : offensive in manner or action : discourteous

d : uncivilized, savage

e : coarse, vulgar

3 : marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill : inexperienced rude workmanship

4 : robust, sturdy in rude health

5 : occurring abruptly and disconcertingly a rude awakening

Other Words from rude Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing rude Learn More About rude

Choose the Right Synonym for rude

rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement. rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy. rude behavior rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness. rough manners crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive. a crude joke raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished. turning raw youths into polished performers

Examples of rude in a Sentence

I was shocked by her rude behavior. I can't believe that he was so rude to me. I heard someone make a rude noise.

Recent Examples on the Web Robby Ashford’s first road start provided a rude awakening against one of the nation’s best defenses. — Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, 9 Oct. 2022 The first players to actually try VR sword duels, though, were in for a rude awakening. — Steve Haske, Ars Technica, 7 Oct. 2022 Consider your audience and find a way to make your point without coming across as rude. — Chris Lee, Forbes, 6 May 2022 In traditional Asian societies, and also under the austere rule of Chairman Mao, it would have been considered rude and anti-social to douse oneself in cologne. — Abigail Tucker, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Sep. 2022 In 1948, four philosophers met in a tea shop to talk about being rude. — Mary Townsend, National Review, 15 Sep. 2022 But the Cylinder Sling by Building Block flirts with such attitude without becoming rude or insensible. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2022 Comments on the video are split between those who side with the mother-to-be and people criticizing her for being rude. — Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 Why: Wearing any other designer would just be rude. — Claire Stern, ELLE, 1 Sep. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.