1. the quality or state of having an uneven or irregular surface; not being smooth
2. harsh or violent behavior; lack of gentleness
3. the quality of being difficult or unpleasant

Examples

• The roughness of the sandpaper made it perfect for smoothing the wood.
• She could feel the roughness of his calloused hands.
• The coach’s roughness with the players concerned the parents.
• The roughness of the sea made sailing dangerous.
• Despite his roughness around the edges, he had a kind heart.
• The roughness of the mountain trail challenged even experienced hikers.
• His roughness in speech contrasted with his gentle actions.