Definitions

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.

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

As it struck the ground, Istanbul Yurdum Spor's captain raced over and started performing rudimentary CPR, pumping its ribcage, according to footage sent to AFP by team manager Fatih Buyuk.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

Those early demonstrations were rudimentary, with the drones able to fly together at a set distance and little else.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

English, which has a rudimentary system of case and agreement, must be more tyrannical about order.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Vocabulary lists containing rudimentary

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 4

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ACT Vocabulary List

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