craggy
Rough, rocky, and uneven, like sharp cliffs or mountains.
Craggy describes something rough, rocky, and uneven, full of jagged edges and steep angles. A craggy mountain face has sharp rocks jutting out at odd angles rather than smooth, gentle slopes. A craggy coastline is where cliffs drop dramatically into the sea, with rough stone formations shaped by centuries of waves and weather.
The word often describes natural landscapes that look rugged and wild. Picture the Scottish Highlands with their craggy peaks, or the rocky cliffs of Maine's coast. These places have a harsh, dramatic beauty: they haven't been smoothed down or made gentle.
People also use craggy to describe faces, especially older faces with deep lines and strong features. A grandfather with a craggy face might have weathered skin, a prominent nose, and deep wrinkles that tell stories of years spent outdoors. It's not an insult. Calling someone's face craggy suggests character, strength, and experience, like a mountain that has stood against storms for decades.
Whether describing a landscape or a person's features, craggy suggests something that's been tested by time and the elements, something tough and enduring rather than soft or delicate.