A rough deal Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Emotion Often implies feelings of resentment or injustice. After being overlooked for promotion, he whispered, 'This is such a rough deal.' Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use Used in casual conversation, rarely in formal writing. In the break room, she complained about getting a rough deal on her schedule. Pro Tip 3/3Comparative Situations Use when comparing situations, showing one as noticeably worse. Compared to my colleagues, I'm definitely getting a rough deal.