hardscrabble
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈhɑrdˌskræbəl/
KK: /hɑrdˈskræbəl/
adjective
Definition
Describing a situation or place that is difficult and poor, often where people struggle to make a living from the land.
Example
They lived in a hardscrabble neighborhood where every day was a fight for survival.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: hardscrabbler
Superlative: hardscrabblest
Conversation
Have you ever visited that hardscrabble town upstate?
Yeah, I went there last summer, and it was pretty rough around the edges.
It's amazing how people can thrive in such a hardscrabble environment.
I know! Their resilience is really inspiring.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
barren
meager
struggling
Antonyms
rich
prosperous
fertile
noun
Definition
Land that is not very productive or fertile, often difficult to farm or grow crops on.
Example
The farmers struggled to make a living on the hardscrabble land.
Conversation
Have you ever visited that hardscrabble farm on the outskirts of town?
No, I haven't, but I've heard it can be quite tough to work there.
Yeah, I heard the land is really dry and not great for crops.
Root Explanation
Hardscrabble → The word is formed from "hard" (from Old English "heard", meaning firm or difficult) and "scrabble" (from Middle English "scrablen", meaning to scratch or scrape). The term describes a difficult or challenging situation, often in the context of struggling for a living or resources.
Memory Tip
Think of a tough and firm situation ('hard') where one has to 'scratch' or 'scrabble' for survival. This helps you remember that 'hardscrabble' refers to a life of struggle and difficulty.
Visually Confused Words
scrabble