rudimentary
Say it: roo-dih-MEN-tuh-ree /ˌrudəˈmɛntəri/ · adjective
What “rudimentary” means
Very basic, simple or not yet well developed.
More precisely: Basic, simple or undeveloped.
Example: “My Spanish is rudimentary, but I can order food and ask for directions.”
When to use it
Use it in fairly formal descriptions of skills, tools or systems that cover only the basics or need further development.
Similar words
basic, elementary, primitive
Where it comes from
From Latin rudimentum, "first attempt."
Quick check
Your homemade shelter is just a sheet stretched over two poles, offering only the most basic protection. How would you describe it?
sophisticated or rudimentary?
Show the answer
rudimentary
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “rudimentary”