rocky
gb/ɹˈɑki/ us/ɹˈɑki/
B1
English
~ 6000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
full of rocks or stone
Having many small or big stones, usually talking about land or the ground.
Usage pattern:
a rocky [surface/place]; [place] is rocky
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "rocky" with "rock" as a noun and say things like *"The ground is rock"* when they mean *"The ground is rocky"*. Use "rocky" to describe what the ground is like, and "rock" to name the material itself.
Synonyms
stony (Very close in meaning; slightly more formal and a bit less common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
smooth (Describes a surface without bumps, stones, or roughness.)
Collocations
rocky ground
|rocky coast
|rocky hillside
|rocky path
|rocky beach
|rocky terrain
Themes
nature
|geography
|travel
Examples
- We followed a narrow, rocky trail up the mountain.
- The island’s coastline is steep and rocky, with very few beaches.
- Be careful on the rocky steps; they can be slippery when wet.
- They built the cabin on a rocky outcrop above the lake.
- The soil here is too rocky for most crops to grow well.
Learner examples
- The path to the house is very rocky.
- We sat on the rocky beach and watched the sea.
- It is hard to drive on this rocky road.
- The land is rocky, so the farmer cannot grow rice here.
- There are many flowers between the rocky hills.
adjective
B2
property
2
unstable or difficult situation
Having many problems and not stable, especially when talking about relationships, plans, or times in life.
Usage pattern:
a rocky [relationship/period/start]; [time] is rocky for [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes try to use "hard" or "strong" instead of "rocky" for this meaning, saying *"a hard relationship"* or *"a strong start"* when they actually mean it was full of problems. Use "rocky" for difficult and unstable situations, and "strong" for successful or positive ones.
Synonyms
unstable (More general and slightly more formal; can be used for emotions, politics, or objects as well as relationships.)
Antonyms
stable (Describes a situation or relationship that is steady and not likely to change or break down.)
Collocations
rocky relationship
|rocky marriage
|rocky start
|rocky period
|rocky patch
|rocky road ahead
Themes
relationships
|emotions
|work
|life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They went through a rocky period in their marriage but eventually worked things out.
- After a rocky start, the new coach has led the team to several wins.
- The company’s finances are still rocky after last year’s losses.
- It’s been a rocky few months for her, both at work and at home.
- Analysts warn that the economy could face a rocky road ahead.
Learner examples
- They had a rocky relationship for many years.
- My first month in the new job was rocky, but now it is better.
- Their marriage was rocky, but they did not give up.
- It was a rocky start to the project, with many small problems.
- This year has been rocky for our family.
adjective
B2
property
3
bumpy or unsteady movement
Moving in a way that is not smooth, with many small jumps or shakes, like when you travel on a bad road.
Usage pattern:
a rocky [ride/journey/flight]; [trip] was rocky
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "rock" instead of "rocky" and say *"The ride was rock"*. Use "rocky" as the adjective to describe how the ride feels, and "rock" as a noun for the hard material.
Synonyms
bumpy (Very close in meaning and slightly more common; used especially for roads, rides, and travel.)
Antonyms
smooth (Describes motion or travel without bumps or shaking.)
Collocations
rocky ride
|rocky journey
|rocky flight
|rocky bus ride
Themes
travel
|daily life
|transport
|transportation
Examples
- It was a rocky bus ride along the old mountain road.
- The plane hit turbulence and we had a very rocky flight.
- The taxi driver apologized for the rocky journey over the potholes.
- The cart made its way up the rocky track, shaking from side to side.
- Be prepared for a rocky ride once we leave the main highway.
Learner examples
- The bus ride was very rocky.
- We had a rocky flight because of the storm.
- The road is bad, so the trip will be rocky.
- The old train was slow and rocky.
- My head hurts after the rocky bus ride.
Grammar
Dictionary form
rocky
IPA
GB/ɹˈɑki/
US/ɹˈɑki/
Syllables & stress
rocky (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (rocky)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: rocky
- Comparative: rockier
- Superlative: rockiest
Word family
Forms
rockier
adjective
rockiest
adjective
Core family
rock
noun A2
Related words
rocker
noun
Advanced or less common
rockiness
noun
Expressions
rocky marriage
1/ɹˈɑki mˈɛɹɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
marriage with frequent conflict
A marriage with many arguments or problems, which may not last.
Examples
- Their rocky marriage has been the subject of gossip in the office.
- After a rocky marriage, they decided it was healthier to separate.
rocky patch
1/ɹˈɑki pˈæt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
short difficult phase in life
A short time when things are difficult, especially in a relationship or at work.
Examples
- Every couple goes through a rocky patch now and then.
- He admitted the team was in a rocky patch but said they would recover.
rocky period
1/ɹˈɑki pˈɪɹiəd/
fixed phrase
time with many problems
A time in life when there are many problems or stresses.
Examples
- She went through a rocky period after losing her job.
- The band survived a rocky period before becoming successful.
rocky relationship
1/ɹˈɑki ɹilˈeɪʃənʃˌɪp/
fixed phrase
relationship with many problems
A relationship that has many problems and is not stable or happy.
Examples
- They had a rocky relationship for years before they finally broke up.
- Despite their rocky relationship, they are trying to stay together for the children.
rocky road
1/ɹˈɑki ɹˈoʊd/
fixed phrase
process with many difficulties
A way to some goal that has many problems or hard times.
Examples
- It’s been a rocky road to success for the young singer.
- The company faces a rocky road as it tries to win back customers.
rocky start
1/ɹˈɑki stˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
beginning with many problems
A beginning that has many problems or difficulties.
Examples
- The new business had a rocky start but is now doing well.
- Our friendship got off to a rocky start, but we are very close now.