A rut is an impression made on the ground from a heavy object that repeatedly rolls over it. Ruts are usually formed by tires from vehicles such as bicycles, wagons, cars, trucks, tanks, etc.
Wagon wheels left ruts in the soft earth as they moved westward.
If roads aren’t plowed in the winter, they create ruts from the snow and the ice. This makes driving difficult.
In some parts of the world where the weather is dry, ruts can last for years.
When a person is "in a rut," he or she is experiencing an extended period of time when things aren’t going well. Sometimes the person is depressed, unconfident, or just plain unlucky. It’s not easy to get out of a rut.
Roger fell into a rut for several months after he lost his job.
Carolyn is in a rut. She just got divorced and rarely leaves the house.
Antonio used to be a great soccer player, but recently he’s been in a rut and unable to score goals.
The U.S. economy was in a rut for a few years. Now it seems to be making a comeback.
Tina finally got out of her rut when she found a new job.
