Rudimentary

/ˌruː.dɪˈmɛn.təri/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
involving or limited to basic principles; elementary.
The students learned rudimentary math skills before advancing to more complex concepts.
not fully developed; basic or undeveloped.
The research was in its rudimentary stages and required further investigation.
relating to an immature or basic form.
The organism displayed rudimentary features that suggested an early evolutionary stage.

Etymology

From Latin 'rudimentum' meaning 'a beginning, first principle'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

rudimentary knowledge
Basic understanding of a subject.
in rudimentary form
At a basic or undeveloped stage.
rudimentary skills
Basic skills that are necessary for a task.

Related Words

rudiment
a basic principle or element that underlies a more complex system.
rudimentarily
in a basic or undeveloped manner.
rudiments
the first principles or essential elements of a subject.

Slang Meanings

Basic level understanding or skill.
His knowledge of coding is still pretty rudimentary.
Not advanced; very simple.
The game's graphics are rudimentary, but it's fun to play.