rocky

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈrä-kē 

rockier; rockiest

1

: abounding in or consisting of rocks

2

: difficult to impress or affect : insensitive

3

: firmly held : steadfast

rocky

2 of 2

adjective (2)

rockier; rockiest

1

: unstable, wobbly

2

: physically upset or mentally confused (as from drinking excessively)

3

: marked by obstacles or problems : difficult, rough

a financially rocky year

—Michael Murray

Examples of rocky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The decision by Sommer to dismiss the case came four days into Baldwin’s trial and at the end of a rocky evidentiary hearing over a defense motion to dismiss the case. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024

Its Arizona site got off to a rocky start, as the company couldn’t find enough skilled staff to install advanced equipment and workers struggled with safety and management issues. —Alena Botros, Fortune Asia, 25 Oct. 2024

The path to equity in healthcare is a rocky one, as these three independent studies demonstrate. —New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024

But after a rocky first term, his reelection bid is on life support. —Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English rokky, from rokke rock

Adjective (2)

rock entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rocky

• rocky road

Kids Definition

rocky

1 of 2 adjective

ˈräk-ē 

rockier; rockiest

: full of or consisting of rocks

rockiness noun

rocky

2 of 2 adjective

rockier; rockiest

1

: weak and confused and unsteady on one's feet

2

: marked by obstacles or problems : difficult

a rocky start

rockiness

-ē-nəs

noun