rogue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rogue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that behaves in an unpredictable or uncontrolled manner, often in a way that is considered rebellious or nonconformist. Example: "The rogue agent acted independently, disregarding the orders from headquarters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's gone rogue.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I have been assured by the assembly that these were rogue actions and are being fully investigated".

The Guardian

The first victim of the rogue batch of drugs is thought to be a Lithuanian factory worker, Eustace Ropas, 22, who died on Christmas Eve at his home, also in Ipswich.

The Guardian

"As first-time renters, students are especially vulnerable to rogue landlords and the other pitfalls of our broken rental market, simply because they have less experience of it," says Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter.

The Guardian

It happens that prairie voles tend to be monogamous while their rogue cousins, the mountain voles, are usually not.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Organisations such as the Resolution Foundation and the charity Shelter, have exposed examples of rogue landlords withholding deposits unfairly, refusing long-term contracts and failing to ensure adequate standards in homes.

The Guardian - Business

Was it Manish Prasad and Jeremy Cole, the two rogue vice cops who apparently set up the ambush under orders as yet unknown?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The CIA depicted here is the rogue agency of Hollywood fiction, writing its own rules, hoodwinking its paymasters and betraying the values for which America purports to stand.

The Guardian

The Chippendale effect of the masked rogue is pure Marmite sensationalism – repelling some, attracting others.

The Guardian - Business

"And lest you think this was just a rogue actor and not part of the company's game plan, let me remind you Kalanick telegraphed exactly this sort of thing when he sat on stage at the Code Conference last spring and said he was hiring political operatives whose job would be to 'throw mud'.

The Guardian - Tech

The discovery of a rogue spook at GCHQ is certainly the most eye-catching revelation in the latest report by the interception of communications commissioner.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rogue", ensure the context clearly indicates the standard or norm from which the subject is deviating. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "rogue" as a generic term for anything negative or unconventional. Instead, reserve it for situations where there is a clear implication of deviation from established rules, standards, or expected behavior. Overuse dilutes its impact and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The word "rogue" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something or someone is deviating from the norm, acting independently, or is unpredictable. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "rogue" is a versatile adjective used to describe something deviating from the norm, often implying unpredictability or a lack of control. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently found in contexts such as News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While "rogue" can carry a negative connotation, suggesting something is out of line, it isn't always inherently bad. When writing, remember to use "rogue" precisely, ensuring the context clearly defines the standard or norm being deviated from and avoid overusing it as a catch-all descriptor for negativity. Alternatives include "uncontrolled", "unorthodox", and "rebellious" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. In essence, "rogue" is a nuanced descriptor best used with careful consideration of context and intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maverick

Highlights independence and nonconformity, mirroring the self-governing characteristic of something "rogue".

uncontrolled

Implies a lack of regulation or restraint, similar to the unpredictable nature of something described as "rogue".

unconventional

Signifies a departure from traditional methods or beliefs, similar to the nonconforming nature of something described as "rogue".

unorthodox

Suggests a departure from conventional methods or beliefs, much like something "rogue" deviates from the norm.

rebellious

Indicates resistance to authority or established rules, akin to the defiant aspect of something labeled "rogue".

wayward

Implies straying from the correct path or expected behavior, aligning with the deviating nature of something "rogue".

aberrant

Denotes a deviation from the standard or norm, similar to the atypical nature of something described as "rogue".

unruly

Suggests a lack of discipline or control, comparable to the unmanageable aspect of something labeled "rogue".

deviant

Indicates a departure from accepted standards or norms, much like the atypical nature of something "rogue".

errant

Implies straying from the proper course or standards, aligning with the deviating nature of something "rogue".

FAQs

How is the word "rogue" typically used in a sentence?

The word "rogue" is often used as an adjective before a noun to describe something or someone that deviates from the norm, is uncontrolled, or behaves in an unexpected way. For example, "a rogue wave" or "a rogue agent."

What are some alternatives to using "rogue" in writing?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "rogue" include "uncontrolled", "unorthodox", "rebellious", "maverick", or "wayward". Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "rogue" versus "rebellious"?

"Rogue" often implies a deviation from established norms or expectations, while "rebellious" suggests active resistance against authority or rules. A "rogue" state might act outside international agreements, whereas a "rebellious" group actively opposes the government.

Is "rogue" always negative, or can it have positive connotations?

While "rogue" often carries negative connotations because it implies a lack of control or deviation from standards, it can sometimes have a neutral or even positive meaning when describing someone who is independent and unconventional in a creative or innovative way.