English Reference

Word

scrambling

Phoneticsscram·bling

US/ˈskɹæmbəɫɪŋ/

UK/skɹˈæmblɪŋ/

Definition

v. to move quickly and with difficulty, often using your hands to help you climb. It also means to rush to do something because you are in a hurry or under pressure.

v. moving or climbing quickly and with difficulty, typically using both hands and feet; also refers to acting in a hurried or disorganized manner to achieve a goal under pressure.

Examples

“The hikers are scrambling up the steep, rocky hill.”

“After the sudden announcement, the marketing team is scrambling to update the website before the product launch.”

Examples

simple

“The hikers are scrambling up the steep, rocky hill.”

contextual

“After the sudden announcement, the marketing team is scrambling to update the website before the product launch.”

Usage

Often followed by the prepositions 'up', 'down', or 'for'. When used to mean rushing, it is frequently followed by an infinitive ('scrambling to finish').

Real-World Examples

“The international community is scrambling to get aid to flood-stricken parts of Nepal and Tibet.”
The Guardian · 28 Aug 2026
“Many are scrambling to book flights to Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital.”
The Guardian · 28 Aug 2026
“Instead of scrambling to make a decision in the moment, a decision made proactively, at a calmer time, can support the entire family.”
The Conversation · 7 Aug 2026

Domains

BotanyLinguistics

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/scrambling

English Reference