rough match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two things are similar but not an exact fit or perfect alignment. Example: "The colors of the paint and the fabric are a rough match, but they complement each other well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Miranda would regularly go home with a black eye or bruises on her arms and legs after a rough match or practice.

The New York Times - Sports

Rating: 3.5 Perry Kitchen: Kitchen battled hard and stood his ground early, and looked to be on his way to a strong comeback performance after a rough match against Canada.

The New York Times

The Dutch star Arjen Robben scored in the 68th minute Wednesday night to give Bayern Munich the first-leg victory in a rough match that had both teams finish a man short.

The New York Times - Sports

In the 90th minute of a rough match played on a narrow field, Mia Hamm challenged a Brazilian defender in the air and the ball fell at Milbrett's feet in the penalty area.

The New York Times - Sports

The clashes started on the field in what one newspaper described as a "lively, but rough match," played late Friday between Iran's top two teams, Pirouzi and Esteghlal, before a capacity crowd of 100,000.

The New York Times

Changes in are harder to detect than changes in Q and the factor of in (14) provides a very rough match between the two scales.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"We were involved in some rough matches.

The Guardian - Sport

Real accelerograms from WAPDA data base, PMD data base and NGA (Next Generation Attenuation) data base available on http://peer.berkeley.edu/nga/search were searched and accelerograms were selected for scaling, based on match in magnitude, fault mechanism, depth of earthquake, epicentral distance and rough matching with MCE response spectrum (Ekström and Dziewonski 1988).

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

The result was a fairly rough matching with moderate accuracy.

Acta Orthopaedica

We're certainly liking our recent form, and feeling very confident, despite a rough road match up against RSL, coming up with a key away point is more than possible especially with the recent play from our home town forward, Lamar NeaGoall", arguably one of the best at his position in the past month.

The Guardian - Sport

(A friend's spinal disc had shattered during a rough tennis match).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sporting events, use "rough match" to convey a game characterized by intense physical play and numerous fouls. This suggests the contest was more about physicality than finesse.

Common error

Avoid using "rough match" to merely describe a close game. The term implies a level of physicality and possibly unsportsmanlike conduct, not just a tight score.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough match" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI examples show its descriptive use in sports and other competitive contexts, indicating a contest marked by intensity or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough match" is a noun phrase that describes a contest or situation characterized by high intensity and physicality. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media, and occasionally in scientific contexts. When using "rough match", remember that it implies more than just a close game; it suggests a significant level of physical play and potential for conflict. Consider alternatives like "challenging contest" or "tough competition" if you need a synonym that focuses on the difficulty rather than the physicality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate alignment

Focuses on the degree of closeness between two entities, emphasizing the lack of precision.

challenging contest

Emphasizes the difficulty and competitiveness of a match.

difficult game

Highlights the arduous nature of a game or competition.

uneven pairing

Implies an imbalance or mismatch between the participants or elements involved.

tough competition

Stresses the intensity and demanding nature of a competitive event.

imperfect correspondence

Indicates a lack of exact agreement or similarity.

unrefined compatibility

Suggests that two things work together, but not seamlessly.

taxing encounter

Highlights the draining and demanding nature of a meeting or interaction.

arduous struggle

Emphasizes the strenuous and challenging nature of a conflict.

grueling match

Focuses on the exhausting and demanding aspects of a match.

FAQs

What does "rough match" mean?

A "rough match" generally refers to a contest or competition, often in sports, characterized by intense physical play, numerous fouls, and a heightened level of aggression.

What are some synonyms for "rough match"?

Alternatives for "rough match" include "challenging contest", "difficult game", or "tough competition", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How is a "rough match" different from a "close game"?

While a "close game" describes a match where the score is tight and the outcome is uncertain, a "rough match" implies a game marked by physical intensity, aggressive play, and frequent fouls, irrespective of the final score.

Can "rough match" be used in contexts other than sports?

While primarily used in sports, "rough match" can metaphorically describe any situation or interaction characterized by conflict, difficulty, and a lack of smoothness or harmony.