This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
hardscrabble
[ hahrd-skrab-uhl ]
/ ˈhɑrdˌskræb əl /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
providing or yielding meagerly in return for much effort; demanding or unrewarding: the hardscrabble existence of mountainside farmers.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Words nearby hardscrabble
hard rubber, hards, hard sauce, hardscape, hard science, hardscrabble, hard sell, hard-set, hard-shell, hard-shell clam, hard-shell crab
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use hardscrabble in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for hardscrabble
hardscrabble
/ (ˈhɑːdˌskræbəl) /
noun US informal
(modifier) (of a place) difficult to make a living in; barren
great effort made in the face of difficulties
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012