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

After a rocky two years, the luxury industry is expected to carry its third-quarter recovery into Q4, despite some tough comparables. —Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2026

The former couple, who share sons Brandon and Dylan, were married from 1995 to 1998 and were the subject of much tabloid fodder surrounding their rocky relationship. —Tessa Petak, InStyle, 15 Jan. 2026

Washington Post Labor negotiations in women's sports are looking rocky right now. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026

Income investors should be well diversified owing to expectations of uncertain and rocky markets this year, according to UBS. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for rocky

• blocky
• chalky
• cocky
• gawky
• hockey
• jockey
• khaki
• machi
• maki
• stocky
• talkie
• walkie

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