rocky
full of rocks or stone
Having many small or big stones, usually talking about land or the ground.
a rocky [surface/place]; [place] is rocky
- 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.
- 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.
unstable or difficult situation
Having many problems and not stable, especially when talking about relationships, plans, or times in life.
a rocky [relationship/period/start]; [time] is rocky for [someone]
- 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.
- 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.
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.
a rocky [ride/journey/flight]; [trip] was rocky
- 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.
- 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.
- Base: rocky
- Comparative: rockier
- Superlative: rockiest
rocky marriage
1marriage with frequent conflict
A marriage with many arguments or problems, which may not last.
- 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
1short difficult phase in life
A short time when things are difficult, especially in a relationship or at work.
- 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
1time with many problems
A time in life when there are many problems or stresses.
- She went through a rocky period after losing her job.
- The band survived a rocky period before becoming successful.
rocky relationship
1relationship with many problems
A relationship that has many problems and is not stable or happy.
- 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
1process with many difficulties
A way to some goal that has many problems or hard times.
- 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
1beginning with many problems
A beginning that has many problems or difficulties.
- 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.