scramble

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to compete or rush to do something because you are in a hurry or in a difficult situation.

v. to struggle or compete frantically with others to achieve a goal or collect items in a limited time.

“Shoppers began to scramble for the best deals as soon as the doors opened.”

“When the government announced the new policy, journalists began to scramble for any available details to meet their midnight deadlines.”

A2 · Elementary Cooking

v. to mix the white and yellow parts of eggs together and cook them in a pan.

v. to prepare eggs by stirring the yolks and whites together while cooking them over heat.

“I usually scramble three eggs for breakfast and serve them with toast.”

“The chef demonstrated how to scramble the eggs over low heat to ensure a creamy texture without browning the edges.”

C1 · Advanced Computing Technical

v. to change a radio or phone signal so that people cannot understand it without a special machine.

v. to make a telecommunications signal unintelligible to unauthorized listeners by electronic means.

“The spy used a special device to scramble his voice during the phone call.”

“The broadcast was scrambled to prevent non-subscribers from accessing the premium sports content without authorization.”

C1 · Advanced Science Technical

v. to send military planes into the air very quickly to deal with a threat.

v. to order aircraft or pilots to take off immediately in response to an emergency or enemy threat.

“The air force had to scramble two jets to check on the unidentified plane.”

“Upon detecting the radar signature of an intruder, the commander ordered the squadron to scramble immediately.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a walk or climb that is difficult and requires you to use your hands.

n. an act of climbing or moving over rough ground where the use of hands is necessary.

“It was a tough scramble to the summit, but the view was worth it.”

“The final approach to the peak involves a three-hundred-meter scramble over loose scree and jagged limestone.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a situation where many people are rushing or competing for the same thing.

n. a confused or frantic rush; a period of intense and disorderly competition.

“There was a mad scramble for seats when the train finally arrived.”

“The sudden bankruptcy of the firm led to a desperate scramble among creditors to secure the remaining assets.”