hardscrabble

[ hahrd-skrab-uhl ]

adjective

1. providing or yielding meagerly in return for much effort; demanding or unrewarding:

   the hardscrabble existence of mountainside farmers.

hardscrabble

/ ˈhɑːdˌskræbəl /

noun

1. modifier (of a place) difficult to make a living in; barren
2. great effort made in the face of difficulties

Word History and Origins

Origin of hardscrabble¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; hard + scrabble

Example Sentences

The Ireland of Dolours and Marian’s youth in “Say Nothing” is a hardscrabble place where circumstances led to them being raised on a diet of war stories.

From Salon

He could be an assistant general manager, helping identify and acquire the sort of hardscrabble players that resemble him.

From Los Angeles Times

Robinson talked of his hardscrabble upbringing in a family shadowed by domestic abuse and the effects of foreign trade deals on U.S. workers, steering clear of his usual gun-fetishizing and anti-LGBTQ rants.

From Los Angeles Times

A hardscrabble gym rat who could develop a new culture, instill a timeless work ethic, and shape a complete team that would thrive around Anthony Davis and excel long after LeBron James?

From Los Angeles Times

In the hardscrabble, postapocalyptic world of “Mad Max,” nothing is more precious than water and gasoline.

From New York Times