rocky

¹ American  

[rok-ee] / ˈrɒk i /

adjective

rockier, rockiest

1. full of or abounding in rocks.

2. consisting of rock.

3. rocklike.

   wood with a rocky hardness.

4. firm; steadfast.

   rocky endurance.

5. unfeeling; without sympathy or emotion.

   my rocky heart.

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rocky ² American  

[rok-ee] / ˈrɒk i /

adjective

rockier, rockiest

1. inclined or likely to rock; tottering; shaky; unsteady.

2. difficult or uncertain; full of hazards or obstacles.

   a business with a rocky future.

3. physically unsteady or weak, as from sickness.

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rocky ¹ British  

/ ˈrɒkɪ /

adjective

1. consisting of or abounding in rocks

   a rocky shore

2. hard or unyielding

   rocky determination

3. hard like rock

   rocky muscles

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rocky ² British  

/ ˈrɒkɪ /

adjective

1. weak, shaky, or unstable

2. informal (of a person) dizzy; sickly; nauseated

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Other Word Forms

• rockily adverb
• rockiness noun

Etymology

Origin of rocky¹

First recorded in 1400–50; rock ¹ + -y ¹ ( def. )

Origin of rocky²

First recorded in 1730–40; rock ² + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“When I run on trails, I’m always looking at the ground because the trails are rocky and you can fall easily,” Hardesty said.

From Los Angeles Times

After three straight years of big gains, this year has been a rocky one for Palantir, with shares down nearly 13% as of Wednesday.

From Barron's

Yields on Treasurys had risen in recent days, with many traders wagering on higher inflation, and a rockier path to lower interest rates this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors’ cautious optimism was a contrast to the anxious mood that led to a rocky day in markets Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Out of more than 6,000 known exoplanets, researchers have narrowed the list to just under 50 rocky worlds that may be capable of supporting life.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• shaky
• tricky
• unstable
• unsteady