1 B2 neutral
To make a surface physically coarser or more abrasive, often to improve grip or adhesion.
"You should roughen up the wall with sandpaper before applying the plaster."
separable
roughen up
B2 neutral separable transitive
To make a surface or texture more coarse, uneven, or rough.
In plain English
To make something feel scratchy or bumpy instead of smooth.
What does "roughen up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To make something appear less polished or more rugged in style or character.
"The director asked the actor to roughen up his appearance for the role of a homeless man."
separable
Usage tip
Primarily used in practical or technical contexts — painting, craft, construction — where a rough surface is needed for adhesion or grip. Less common as a standalone phrasal verb; speakers often say 'roughen' alone.
Words that pair with "roughen up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
surface texture edges wood skin paint
How to conjugate "roughen up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
roughen up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
roughens up
he/she/it
Past simple
roughened up
yesterday
Past participle
roughened up
have + pp
-ing form
roughening up
continuous
Hear "roughen up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "roughen up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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