Rough means uneven, not smooth, or coarse to the touch. When you run your hand along a wooden fence and feel splinters catching at your skin, that's rough. Sandpaper is intentionally rough so it can smooth other surfaces. The bark of a tree feels rough, while its leaves feel smooth.

The word extends beyond texture. A rough day is difficult and full of challenges. A rough neighborhood might be unsafe or run-down. When someone gives you a rough estimate, they're providing an approximate number, not an exact calculation. You might make a rough draft of an essay, writing down your ideas quickly without worrying about perfect sentences yet.

Rough can also describe behavior: rough play involves physical contact that might hurt someone, even if no one means harm. When seas are rough, waves toss boats around violently. In hockey or football, the game can get rough when players collide hard.

The opposite of rough is usually smooth, gentle, or precise, depending on context. When someone has a rough time, they're struggling. When you rough it while camping, you're living without your normal comforts.