a rugged year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rugged year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a year that has been particularly difficult, challenging, or harsh in some way. Example: "After facing numerous setbacks and obstacles, we can all agree that it has been a rugged year for our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The pay of Jamie Dimon, who had a rugged year at JPMorgan Chase, was cut almost in half to $11.5 million, down from $23 million in 2011.

The New York Times

On Season 4 of "Friday Night Lights," this will be home field for Coach Eric Taylor Kyle Chandlerr), who along with his wife, Tami (Connie Britton), a guidance counselor turned principal, is in a for a rugged year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In 1986, the small-boat class was won by a rugged 35-year-old former Outward Bound instructor, the Minnesota native Mike Plant.

The New York Times - Sports

They began the season joined by the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Steve Bernier, 23, a rugged fourth-year forward.

The New York Times - Sports

Whyte caught up with Ivica Bacurin, a rugged 34-year-old spoiler from Croatia with a 25-9-1 CV, in the sixth round.

The Guardian - Sport

"You need to have physical strength, know-how and love," said Mr. Shinozuka, a rugged 43-year-old who spends his winter days wading in waist-deep frigid water to tend an extended matrix of nets where he grows his dark green crop, known as nori.

The New York Times

"I've had a rugged 10 years.

BBC

"I always tell my customers not to expect anything," said Mr. Mortillaro, a rugged, bearded 50-year-old.

The New York Times

A rugged and affable 44-year-old with 19 years of experience leading snowmobile excursions, Mr. Wright was unfazed by the group's utter lack of experience.

The New York Times - Travel

"After my grandfather, my father and I worked on crabs for 40 years, the official at his desk in Ottawa has to show some respect," said Marcel Duguay, a rugged, nearly toothless 41-year-old crab fisherman who spent his week hoisting traps out of his boat.

The New York Times

India, once an island to the east of Africa, crashed into the underside of Asia about 45 million years ago, and the two tectonic plates continue to push together at rate of nearly two inches a year, creating a rugged landscape of high mountains and deep valleys.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rugged year", consider the specific challenges that made the year difficult and incorporate those details into your writing for greater impact and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a rugged year" in situations where the challenges are relatively minor. It's best reserved for situations involving significant hardship or adversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rugged year" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, specifically using the adjective "rugged" to describe the characteristic of the "year". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rugged year" is a phrase used to describe a year characterized by significant challenges and hardships. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the demanding nature of a period. Primarily found in News & Media, the phrase can be adapted to various writing contexts, always ensuring it accurately reflects the severity of the year's difficulties. Alternatives such as ""a difficult year"" or ""a tough year"" offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult year

Replaces "rugged" with a more common synonym, maintaining the overall meaning of a challenging time.

a tough year

Substitutes "rugged" with "tough", emphasizing the demanding and testing aspects of the year.

a challenging year

Uses "challenging" instead of "rugged", highlighting the demanding nature of the year.

a trying year

Replaces "rugged" with "trying", indicating a year filled with tests and difficulties.

a hard year

Uses the simpler term "hard" to convey the difficulty experienced during the year.

a problematic year

Shifts focus to the trouble and issues that made the year difficult.

a troublesome year

Highlights the difficulty and burden associated with the year.

a bumpy year

Implies instability and unpredictable challenges throughout the year.

a turbulent year

Suggests a year characterized by unrest, change, and difficulty.

a stormy year

Metaphorically describes the year as being filled with conflict and adversity.

FAQs

What does "a rugged year" mean?

The phrase "a rugged year" describes a year characterized by significant challenges, difficulties, and hardships. It suggests a period marked by adversity and requiring resilience to overcome.

How can I use "a rugged year" in a sentence?

You can use "a rugged year" to describe a period filled with obstacles, such as: "After facing numerous setbacks, we can all agree it was "a rugged year" for the community."

What can I say instead of "a rugged year"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult year", "a tough year", or "a challenging year" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a rugged year" formal or informal?

The phrase "a rugged year" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific situation and audience.