Rude - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT rude /rud/ /rud/ IPA guide

Other forms: rudest; ruder

Rude describes a type of behavior that isn't appropriate and usually isn't very nice, either — like yelling "You stink!" at a children's talent show.

Rude refers to bad behavior or just plain bad manners. For example, children are taught to say "please" and "thank you" or they are considered rude. A rude person needs a little work — rude also means crude or basic, like a rude cabin out in the woods that barely keeps the rain out. It can be a sudden realization, too. If you wake up and see your breath, it's a rude awakening that the heat's not working.

Definitions of rude

adjective belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness synonyms: crude, primitive early being or occurring at an early stage of development
adjective (used especially of commodities) being unprocessed or manufactured using only simple or minimal processes “bales of rude cotton” synonyms: natural, raw unprocessed not altered from an original or natural state
adjective socially incorrect in behavior synonyms: bad-mannered, ill-mannered, unmannered, unmannerly impolite not polite
adjective (of persons) lacking in refinement or grace synonyms: bounderish, ill-bred, lowbred, underbred, yokelish unrefined (used of persons and their behavior) not refined; uncouth
adjective lacking civility or good manners synonyms: uncivil

Pronunciation US /rud/ UK /rud/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘rude'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing rude

Christmas Carol Vocab: A Lyrical Lexicon

Rejoice! Now you can understand some of the lesser-known words used in traditional holiday carols. Fa-la-la-la-la...

Words for Carolers

Rejoice! Now you can understand some of the lesser-known words used in traditional holiday carols. Fa-la-la-la-la...

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech

On August 28, 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I have a dream" speech. Speaking from the steps of the LIncoln Memorial in Washington D.C., King stood before an estimated quarter of a million people who had gathered to demonstrate for passage of the Civil Rights Act.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account