rocky

rocky — adjective

1. having many rocks on or in the ground, creating an uneven surface that is hard t

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

having many rocks on or in the ground, creating an uneven surface that is hard to walk or drive across.

Example

Beatriz stumbled twice on the rocky trail leading to the waterfall.

collocation: rocky trail

The goats moved easily across the rocky hillside near Niran's village.

Common collocations
  • rocky trail
  • rocky path
  • rocky hillside
  • rocky ground
  • rocky soil
  • rocky road
  • rocky terrain
Synonyms
  • stony

    more specific — describes ground or soil covered with stones rather than large rocks

  • rugged

    broader — describes rough, uneven terrain that may include rocks but is not limited to them

  • rough

    general — describes any uneven surface; less specific about the cause

Antonyms
  • smooth

    opposite of rough and uneven

  • flat

    opposite of having an uneven, rocky surface

Grammar Patterns

rocky + noun (path, terrain, ground)

be + rocky

Common Mistakes

The ground was very rock.
The ground was very rocky.
'rocky' is the adjective form; 'rock' is a noun and cannot replace it.

2. not steady or stable; likely to shake, move, or fall over when weight or pressur

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

not steady or stable; likely to shake, move, or fall over when weight or pressure is applied.

Example

The old wooden chair felt rocky every time Hassan sat down.

collocation: feel rocky (furniture)

Sana grabbed the railing because her legs felt rocky after the long hike.

collocation: legs feel rocky

Common collocations
  • feel rocky
  • legs feel rocky
  • rocky table
  • rocky chair
  • knees feel rocky
Synonyms
  • wobbly

    more informal and visual — suggests a side-to-side shaking movement

  • shaky

    describes trembling or quivering movement, often from weakness

  • unstable

    stronger and more formal — implies risk of falling or collapsing

Antonyms
  • steady

    firm and not likely to move or shake

  • stable

    securely balanced and not in danger of falling

Grammar Patterns

feel + rocky

be + rocky

rocky + noun (table, chair, legs)

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 4 (BUMPY): sense 2 describes an unsteady state of a person or object that cannot balance properly, while sense 4 describes the rough, jolting motion of a vehicle or ride.

Common Mistakes

The bus ride was very rocky — I could not stand still.' (when meaning the ride was bumpy).
The bus ride was very bumpy.
For vehicle motion, use sense 4 or 'bumpy'; sense 2 describes a person or object that is physically unsteady.

3. full of problems, doubts, or sudden changes, so that success or a good result is

3.adjectiveB2
Definition

full of problems, doubts, or sudden changes, so that success or a good result is not guaranteed.

Example

Kemi and her husband went through a rocky period before they separated.

collocation: rocky period

The company had a rocky start but became profitable within two years.

Common collocations
  • rocky relationship
  • rocky marriage
  • rocky period
  • rocky start
  • rocky patch
  • rocky road
  • rocky year
  • rocky beginning
Synonyms
  • unstable

    broader — describes anything likely to change or fail, not just situations or relationships

  • precarious

    more formal and stronger — suggests a dangerous or risky situation that could collapse

  • difficult

    general — focuses on hardship rather than uncertainty

  • turbulent

    suggests violent or dramatic ups and downs, stronger than 'rocky'

Antonyms
  • stable

    not likely to change or fail

  • steady

    developing or progressing in a calm, reliable way

  • smooth

    without problems or difficulties

Grammar Patterns

rocky + noun (period, start, relationship, marriage)

be + rocky

hit a rocky patch

Usage Note

Commonly describes relationships, careers, business ventures, and periods of time. The noun phrase 'rocky road' is a fixed metaphor for a difficult journey through life or a project.

Common Mistakes

The weather has been rocky this week.
The weather has been unpredictable this week.
'rocky' describes unstable situations or relationships, not weather patterns.

4. moving with sudden, jarring movements, typically describing a vehicle, ride, or

4.adjectiveB1
Definition

moving with sudden, jarring movements, typically describing a vehicle, ride, or journey over an uneven surface or through rough conditions.

Example

The rocky ferry ride across the channel made several passengers feel sick.

collocation: rocky ride

Salma held her coffee cup with both hands during the rocky bus journey.

Common collocations
  • rocky ride
  • rocky flight
  • rocky landing
  • rocky journey
  • rocky crossing
  • rocky road
Synonyms
  • bumpy

    the most common everyday synonym for a rough ride or surface

  • rough

    general — can describe sea conditions, landing, or any uneven movement

  • jolting

    emphasises sudden, sharp movements that push the body around

  • jerky

    suggests irregular, stop-and-start movements rather than continuous shaking

Antonyms
  • smooth

    without sudden movements or bumps

  • steady

    moving at an even pace without shaking

Grammar Patterns

rocky + noun (ride, flight, journey, landing)

be + rocky

Usage Note

Typically applies to transportation: boats, planes, cars, buses. It describes the quality of the motion, not the condition of the person inside. Compare with sense 2 (UNSTEADY), which describes a person or object that cannot balance.

Common Mistakes

I felt rocky after the roller coaster ride.
I felt dizzy after the roller coaster ride.
If you mean physically unsteady, use sense 2 or 'dizzy'; sense 4 describes the ride itself, not how you feel afterwards.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/3

All four words describe situations that are not steady or safe, but they differ in intensity and emphasis. 'Rocky' (B2) is the most conversational option — it suggests a relationship, project, or period that has noticeable problems but may still succeed. 'Unstable' (B1) is broader and more neutral: it describes anything likely to change or collapse, from a government to a patient's health. 'Precarious' (C1) is more formal and carries a sense of real danger — a precarious situation is one wrong step away from disaster. 'Turbulent' (C1) emphasises violent or dramatic ups and downs, often with conflict or strong emotion, as in 'a turbulent marriage full of arguments.' For everyday conversation about a difficult phase, use 'rocky'; for a truly dangerous situation, use 'precarious'; for emotional chaos, use 'turbulent.'

rocky ↗unstable ↗precarious ↗turbulent ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • rocky road
  • rocky start
  • rocky patch
  • hit a rocky patch

Etymology

Old FrenchEnglish

Formed from the noun 'rock' (meaning a large stone) plus the suffix '-y', which turns nouns into adjectives meaning 'full of' or 'characterised by'. The literal sense 'full of rocks' dates back to the early 1500s. By the 1700s, 'rocky' had developed the figurative meaning 'unsteady' (like a rocking motion), and by the 1800s it was being used to describe difficult or uncertain situations.