Phrase guide

diamond in the rough

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An uncut diamond.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He wants to go try his luck at that state park in Arkansas where you can look for diamonds in the rough and you can keep what you find.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: rough diamond

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A person or thing whose goodness or other positive qualities are hidden by a harsh or unremarkable surface appearance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • Her auto mechanic is a diamond in the rough: tough-talking but honest, even generous.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: rough diamond

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: raakatimantti — uncut diamond
  • Hungarian: csiszolatlan gyémánt — uncut diamond
  • Italian: diamante grezzo — uncut diamond
  • Japanese: 原石 (genseki) — uncut diamond
  • Polish: nieoszlifowany diament — uncut diamond
  • Romanian: diamant brut — uncut diamond
  • Spanish: diamante en bruto — uncut diamond
  • Chinese Mandarin: 璞玉 (púyù) — person with hidden qualities
  • Finnish: nallekarhu — person with hidden qualities
  • German: ungeschliffenes Juwel — person with hidden qualities
  • Hungarian: csiszolatlan gyémánt — person with hidden qualities
  • Japanese: 原石 (genseki) — person with hidden qualities
  • Polish: nieoszlifowany diament — person with hidden qualities
  • Spanish: diamante en bruto — person with hidden qualities
  • Spanish: diamante bruto — person with hidden qualities