rocky

rocky — adjective

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

1.形容詞B1
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • smooth

    opposite of rough and uneven

  • flat

    opposite of having an uneven, rocky surface

文法句型

rocky + noun (path, terrain, ground)

be + rocky

常見錯誤

❌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.形容詞B1
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • steady

    firm and not likely to move or shake

  • stable

    securely balanced and not in danger of falling

文法句型

feel + rocky

be + rocky

rocky + noun (table, chair, legs)

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.形容詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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'

反義詞
  • stable

    not likely to change or fail

  • steady

    developing or progressing in a calm, reliable way

  • smooth

    without problems or difficulties

文法句型

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

be + rocky

hit a rocky patch

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.形容詞B1
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • smooth

    without sudden movements or bumps

  • steady

    moving at an even pace without shaking

文法句型

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

be + rocky

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.