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

Walgreens capped off a rocky past year marked by pharmacy reimbursement pressure, softer consumer spending at its stores and challenges related to its push into primary care, among other issues. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025

The film begins with a home movie image of a girl bounding down a rocky hill. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025

Understanding Mercury can help scientists understand Earth and how the rocky planets of the inner solar system formed. —Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

By Ana Osorno and Samantha Allen January 10, 2025 The year 2025 is off to an extremely rocky start. —Ana Osorno, Them, 10 Jan. 2025

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