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

Despite the president's rocky debate performance and ensuing party fallout, Biden leads Trump 50% to 48% in a head-to-head contest. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024

The young vineyards are planted on rocky slopes, steps from a delightfully rough-hewn tasting room at the top of the hill, giving them maximum benefit from the marine breezes blowing in from the Atlantic. —Paola Singer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 July 2024

The Thursday night news conference did not immediately halt the stream of Democrats who have been calling on Biden to end his candidacy after a rocky debate performance two weeks ago. —Yasmeen Abutaleb, Washington Post, 12 July 2024

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Brad Pitt's rocky relationship with his six children has been under scrutiny for years — and perhaps now more than ever. —David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 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