What does gouged mean?
Gouged is the past tense and past participle of gouge, a verb commonly used for digging, scooping, or cutting out material with a gouge or similar tool. It can describe a narrow but deep hole, a groove in wood or stone, or tissue forcibly removed or injured. The word also has a figurative economic sense: an unfair transaction may leave someone feeling that they have been overcharged or exploited, as when a business gouges customers. This sense is strongly negative and is commonly associated with excessive prices rather than ordinary bargaining. Although the word is most often seen in descriptions of physical damage, its broader implication is forceful removal: material is scooped from a surface, money is extracted from a buyer, or something valuable is taken from someone.
To dig, scoop, or cut out with force, especially using a gouge or similar tool; by extension, to charge or extract an excessive amount, especially of money.
"The sculptor gouged a shallow channel into the marble before refining the shape."
The physical sense is transitive and often implies a deep or irregular mark. The figurative sense is usually critical and suggests unfair or excessive charges.
Marked by a deep cut, hole, groove, or forceful removal.
"The sculptor repaired the gouged surface before the stone was installed."
Used attributively, especially for surfaces, materials, or tissue damaged by forceful cutting.
One verb can describe a chisel carving marble—and a shop accused of emptying wallets.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Related word forms
How gouged is actually used
The word is neutral in tone when describing physical excavation but often strongly critical when describing excessive charges or unfair extraction of money. Its physical use can imply a deep, irregular, or violent mark.
Easily confused with gouged
Gouged means dug or cut out, whereas gauged means estimated or measured.