rudimentary

[roo-duh-men-tuh-ree, -tree] / ˌru dəˈmɛn tə ri, -tri /

ADJECTIVE

basic, fundamental

Synonyms

STRONGEST

elemental elementary embryonic primitive simple

WEAK

abecedarian basal beginning early immature initial introductory larval nuts-and-bolts primary simplest uncompleted undeveloped vestigial

Antonyms

STRONGEST

complex complicated difficult intricate sophisticated

WEAK

additional advanced derivative developed extra nonessential

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A rudimentary shell of the 52 sq km complex was visible in December.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Baseball traditionally relied on rudimentary statistics and strategies, but pioneers like Bill James introduced complex metrics in the late 1970s to better evaluate player value.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The other was being recruited by Arnold Beckman, a Caltech alum, a renowned inventor of scientific instruments, and scientific advisor to L.A.’s rudimentary air pollution control operation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Anyone with even rudimentary knowledge of recent history would have known this was likely.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

On a low wooden table set against the wall of the house was a paraffin globe lamp and ranged around it a rudimentary bar.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Vocabulary lists containing rudimentary

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 4

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