corrugated

/ˈkɒrəɡeɪtɪd/ · KOR-uh-gay-tidadjective

Shaped into alternating parallel ridges and grooves to add strength or flexibility.

Use corrugated to express this relationship precisely: shaped into alternating parallel ridges and grooves to add strength or flexibility.

What corrugated Really Means

The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.

1

Core quality

Shaped into alternating parallel ridges and grooves to add strength or flexibility.

Example

The roof was made from corrugated metal sheets.

2

Attributive or predicative use

Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.

Example

Corrugated cardboard resists bending better than flat paper.

3

Analytical distinction

Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.

Example

Water collected in the grooves of the corrugated surface.

Use corrugated Naturally

Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.

The roof was made from corrugated metal sheets.

Corrugated cardboard resists bending better than flat paper.

Water collected in the grooves of the corrugated surface.

Precision Matters

Corrugated overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.

corrugated

Means shaped into alternating parallel ridges and grooves to add strength or flexibility.

vs.
coiled

Means wound or arranged into a series of loops, rings, or spirals.

corrugated

Means shaped into alternating parallel ridges and grooves to add strength or flexibility.

vs.
morphological

Means relating to the form, structure, or arrangement of organisms, words, or other things.

corrugated

Means shaped into alternating parallel ridges and grooves to add strength or flexibility.

vs.
intricate

Means very detailed and complicated.

corrugated

Means shaped into alternating parallel ridges and grooves to add strength or flexibility.

vs.
amorphous

Means lacking a clear structure, shape, or form.

Test corrugated in Context

The sheet has a repeating pattern of ridges and grooves.

1

Alternating ridges strengthened the ___ sheet without greatly increasing its weight.

Prepared byFirst Academy
Editorial responsibilityFirst Academy Academic Team
Updated3 August 2026
Selection and reviewRead our methodology