# scrambling

/ˈskɹæmbəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /skɹˈæmblɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scrambling
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.