/ ˈrʌgɪd; NAmE / adjective
1.
( of the landscape ) not level or smooth and having rocks rather than plants or trees :
rugged cliffs
They admired the rugged beauty of the coastline.
2.
[ usually before noun ] ( approving ) ( of a man's face ) having strong, attractive features
3.
[ usually before noun ] ( of a person ) determined to succeed in a difficult situation, even if this means using force or upsetting other people :
a rugged individualist
4.
( of equipment, clothing, etc. ) strong and designed to be used in difficult conditions :
A less rugged vehicle would never have made the trip.
rugged outdoor clothing
► rug·ged·ly adverb :
ruggedly handsome
► rug·ged·ness noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the sense shaggy , also (of a horse) rough-coated ): probably of Scandinavian origin; compare with Swedish rugga roughen, also with rug .