Definition

Adjective: * Used of paved surfaces having holes or pits: Describes a road, street, or other paved area that is in poor condition, marked by numerous potholes (holes or cavities in the surface).

Usage

This adjective is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb) to describe the state of a paved surface. It implies a state of disrepair and neglect.

Examples

• Attributive use:
  • The journey was slow and bumpy along the potholed road.
  • We drove carefully to avoid damaging the car on the potholed street.
• Predicative use:
  • After the harsh winter, the highway was badly potholed.
  • The old parking lot is so potholed that it's dangerous to walk across.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical use: While primarily literal, "potholed" can be used metaphorically to describe something that is rough, uneven, or full of difficulties.
  • His career path has been a long and potholed journey.
  • The negotiations hit another potholed section and stalled.

Variants and Related Words

• Pothole (noun): A hole or pit in a road surface formed by wear, weathering, or subsidence.
  • The car's tire was damaged by a deep pothole.
• Rutted (adjective): Having long, deep tracks made by the wheels of vehicles. Often used similarly to describe poor road conditions.
• Bumpy (adjective): Having an uneven surface that causes jolting. A more general term that can describe a potholed road.

Synonyms

• Rutted
• Broken-up
• Uneven
• Bumpy

Antonyms

• Smooth
• Even
• Well-maintained
• Pristine

Adjective

1. used of paved surfaces having holes or pits