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

After a somewhat rocky relationship with the mayor, Chief Recovery Officer Steve Soboroff does not appear to be continuing past his initial 90-day contract. —Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025

The soil around your foundation may be sandy or rocky, so set plants far enough so the roots can reach good soil and capture nutrients. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025

To say Maggie has had a somewhat rocky relationship with the man who murdered her hubby would be putting it mildly, but the two have found times to work together when necessary. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025

Zuckerberg, who had a notably rocky relationship with Trump during the president’s first term, has been publicly currying favor this go-round. —Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 19 Mar. 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

Rhymes for rocky

• blocky
• chalky
• cocky
• gawky
• hockey
• jockey
• khaki
• machi
• maki
• stocky
• talkie
• walkie

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