rough-and-ready

[ruhf-uhn-red-ee]

adjective

1. rough, rude, or crude, but good enough for the purpose.

   a rough-and-ready estimate of future expenses.

2. exhibiting or showing rough vigor rather than refinement or delicacy.

   a cowboy—the rough-and-ready type.

rough-and-ready

adjective

1. crude, unpolished, or hastily prepared, but sufficient for the purpose

2. (of a person) without formality or refinement; rudely vigorous

Other Word Forms

• rough-and-readiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rough-and-ready¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Idioms and Phrases

Unrefined or makeshift but available for use or action, as in The agenda is somewhat rough and ready, but it covers the main issues. [First half of 1800s]