Coarse is an adjective with a few related meanings. It can describe something roughNot smooth; having an uneven or scratchy surface or texture. or made of large particlesVery small pieces or bits of a substance., and it can also describe language, behavior, or taste that is rude, unsophisticated, or lacking refinementPolished, cultured quality; the opposite of crudeness or vulgarity..
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /kɔrs/
Easy pronunciation: KORS (approximate spelling).
Stress: One syllable; stress is on the only syllable.
Pronunciation for the adjective meaning rough, not smooth, or made of big grains or pieces.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Coarse Meaning
rough, not smooth, or made of big grains or pieces
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: of textures that are rough to the touch or substances made of relatively large particles
Example: coarse sand
Synonyms for this meaning:
- harsh — Can work for rough texture, though it is less exact than coarse in many contexts.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Coarse
Meaning 2
rude, crude, or not refined
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
Example: He made a coarse joke that embarrassed everyone.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- common — Can suggest low-class or lacking refinement, but it is not always a direct substitute.
- uncouth — A strong match for lacking manners or polish.
- vulgar — Fits speech, humor, or behavior that is offensive or tasteless.
Meaning 3
cheap, poor in quality, or inferior
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: of low or inferior quality or value
Example: The statue was made from coarse metal.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- common — Can mean ordinary or lower-grade in older or literary use, but is less precise than other choices.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Coarse Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- harsh
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
- uncouth
- vulgar
- common
of low or inferior quality or value
- common
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using coarse to mean only "rude" and forgetting its more common physical meaning.
- Mixing up coarse with course, which is a different word.
- Using coarse and rough as exact synonyms in every context; rough is often broader and more general.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does coarse mean?
Coarse usually means rough in texture or made of large particles. It can also describe behavior, language, or taste that is rude or not refined.
What is a simple synonym for coarse?
For the texture sense, a simple synonym is rough. For the behavior sense, uncouth or vulgar may fit better.
Is coarse a negative word?
Often yes, especially when it describes manners, language, or quality. But it can be neutral when it describes texture or grain size, like coarse sand.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.