The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

scramble

IPA:

Dictionary definition of scramble

To move quickly and clumsily, often using one's hands and feet, to get to a particular place or object.
"The players had to scramble to defend their goal."

Detailed meaning of scramble

For example, "he scrambled to the top of the hill" or "she scrambled to grab her phone before it fell." It can also mean to hurry or rush to do something, often in an unorganized or haphazard way. For example, "we scrambled to finish the project on time" or "they scrambled to prepare for the party."

As a noun, it can mean a situation in which many people are competing or fighting to get to a particular place or thing. For example, "the scramble for the last remaining tickets" or "the scramble for resources during a crisis."
It can also refer to the sport of climbing steep terrain, using a combination of hands and feet, as in "rock climbing".

Overall, "scramble" implies urgency, haste, and a lack of organization, and it can refer to the act of moving quickly or the situation in which many people are competing for a limited resource.

Example sentences containing scramble

1. If you don't get up early, you'll have to scramble to make it to the meeting on time.
2. When the alarm went off, I had to scramble out of bed to turn it off.
3. If you drop something fragile, you may need to scramble to catch it before it hits the ground.
4. When the doorbell rang, I had to scramble to put on some clothes and answer the door.
5. If you don't plan ahead, you'll have to scramble to get everything done at the last minute.
6. When the boss asked for the report, I had to scramble to find it in my pile of papers.

History and etymology of scramble

The verb 'scramble' has its etymological origins in the Middle English word 'scramblen,' which meant 'to clamber' or 'to move with haste and effort.' Its precise origins are somewhat obscure, but 'scramble' aptly describes the action of moving quickly and clumsily, often using one's hands and feet, to reach a particular place or object. The term conveys a sense of urgency and sometimes even a touch of chaos, as individuals scramble to attain their goal. 'Scramble' is a versatile term, capturing the essence of hurried and uncoordinated movement, whether it be in a race to reach a prized possession or a rush to respond to an emergency. It is a word that embodies the dynamic nature of human action, especially when time is of the essence.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb scramble:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of scramble

1. If you don't pack the night before, you'll have to scramble to get everything together in the morning.
2. When the phone rang, I had to scramble to find it in my bag before it went to voicemail.
3. If you don't leave on time, you'll have to scramble to make it to the airport before your flight.
4. When the fire alarm went off, we had to scramble to get out of the building.
5. If you don't study throughout the semester, you'll have to scramble to catch up before the final exam.
6. When the rain started pouring, I had to scramble to close all the windows.
7. If you don't prepare your presentation ahead of time, you'll have to scramble to put it together at the last minute.
8. When the baby started crying, I had to scramble to prepare a bottle and soothe her.
9. If you don't make a reservation, you'll have to scramble to find a place to eat on a busy night.
10. When I realized I was late for my appointment, I had to scramble to get ready and leave the house.
11. If you don't plan your route ahead of time, you'll have to scramble to find your way to your destination.
12. When the dog ran out of the house, I had to scramble to catch him before he ran into the street.
13. If you don't organize your work, you'll have to scramble to find important documents when you need them.
14. When the power went out, I had to scramble to find candles and a flashlight.