rocky
UK: ˈrɒki | US: ˈrɑːki
adj. covered with or full of rocks
adj. unstable or unreliable; prone to difficulties
adj. resembling rock in texture or hardness
The word "rocky" combines the noun "rock" (from Old English rocc, meaning "stone" or "large mass") with the suffix "-y," which forms adjectives indicating a characteristic (e.g., "bumpy," "sunny"). Originally describing terrain littered with rocks, it later metaphorically extended to describe unstable situations or personalities, drawing on the unevenness and unpredictability of rocky landscapes.
The hikers struggled to climb the rocky path.
Their relationship went through a rocky phase last year.
The cake had a surprisingly rocky texture.
The boat drifted toward the rocky shore.
His career has been rocky, with frequent job changes.