What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hardscrabble
Example
Growing up on a hardscrabble farm taught me the value of hard work. [hardscrabble: adjective]
Example
The hardscrabble terrain made it difficult to build a road through the mountains. [hardscrabble: adjective]
rocky
Example
The rocky path up the mountain was treacherous. [rocky: adjective]
Example
The company's financial situation was rocky after the recession. [rocky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rocky is more commonly used than hardscrabble in everyday language. Rocky is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hardscrabble is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hardscrabble and rocky?
Hardscrabble may be considered more formal or literary than rocky, which is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in various formality levels.
