rugged
UK: ˈrʌɡɪd | US: ˈrʌɡɪd
adj. (of terrain) rough, uneven, and difficult to traverse
adj. (of a person) strong, tough, and resilient
adj. (of an object) sturdy and durable
The word "rugged" originates from the Middle English "ruggen," meaning "to roughen," derived from the Old Norse "rugga" (to make rough). The suffix "-ed" transforms it into an adjective, emphasizing a state of roughness or toughness. Over time, "rugged" evolved to describe not just physical roughness (e.g., terrain) but also metaphorical toughness (e.g., a resilient person or a durable object). The logic ties back to the core idea of resistance to wear or hardship.
The rugged mountains made the hike challenging but rewarding.
He had a rugged appearance, with a beard and calloused hands.
This jacket is designed for rugged outdoor use.
The rugged coastline was battered by fierce waves.
Her rugged determination helped her overcome every obstacle.