rude

adjective

Save Word

\ 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 Marcella Arguello says she is used to fielding rude questions about her heritage. — Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 18 May 2022 What your nervy acquaintance did was breach whatever privacy is left in our society these days, which was thoughtless, rude and inexcusable. — Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 17 May 2022 According to Braunizer, in suggesting that Schrödinger was a pedophile, his biographer had jumped to rude conclusions. — Rebecca Coffey, Forbes, 17 May 2022 The tendency to confuse that commercial transaction with social conditions has unfortunately led to the rude practice of asking hosts for leftovers. — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 17 May 2022 Chatters also offer creators a buffer from their subscribers, who can be rude, stingy or worse. — New York Times, 16 May 2022 Melvin Townsend III, 36, appeared intoxicated and was allegedly spewing rude remarks at passengers boarding the plane, Wagstaffe told The Times. — Hyeyoon Alyssa Choi, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2022 Still, a few of the rude jokes have a grain of truth buried in them. — Beth Thames | Bethmthames@gmail.com, al, 4 May 2022 Crude, rude and irrepressible, Charlie defends his empire against all takers at any cost. — Rodney Ho, ajc, 3 May 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.