diamond in the rough

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.

Investors always like to find a diamond in the rough.

From Barron's • Dec. 1, 2025

As training camp unfolds, the Chargers may have unearthed a diamond in the rough with fifth-round pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith, the 21st wide receiver selected in the draft.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2025

Wild Mother had also turned to social media to find her tribe - having been called "a weirdo, an alien, a diamond in the rough" offline - and has built a following of thousands.

From BBC • Sep. 22, 2024

“I think there’s a lot of people on the sidelines thinking, ‘This is a diamond in the rough if you do it right.’

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2024

Most of my siblings regard me as being spoiled and a troublemaker, but Pa says I am really a diamond in the rough.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung