Scrambling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🧩

Add to dictionary

scrambling

[ˈskramb(ə)lɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

puzzle

Mix up (something) in a confused or untidy way.

Synonyms

disarrange, jumble, mix-up, shuffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scrambling	Used when things are moved around quickly and often in a chaotic manner. Often implies urgency or confusion. After hearing the alarm, they were scrambling to grab their belongings and leave the building
mix-up	Used to describe a situation where things are confusing because they have been arranged incorrectly, often causing mistakes or misunderstandings. There was a mix-up with the flight tickets, so they had to reschedule their trip
jumble	Refers to a mixed and untidy collection of things. Often implies a somewhat chaotic mess but not necessarily negative. She found her keys in the jumble of items at the bottom of her purse
shuffle	Generally used to describe the act of mixing up a set of items, like cards, usually to randomize them. Can be used figuratively to describe any minor rearrangement. He shuffled the deck of cards before dealing out the hands
disarrange	Typically used in more formal contexts to describe a deliberate act of making something messy or out of order. The wind disarranged the carefully placed papers on the desk

Examples of usage

He was scrambling the letters on the desk.
She scrambled the papers in a hurry.
The wind had scrambled the leaves around the yard.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

sports

Make one's way quickly or awkwardly up a steep gradient or over rough ground by using one's hands as well as one's feet.

Synonyms

clamber, climb, scale, scuttle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scrambling	Used when referring to a hasty and disorderly movement, often involving quickly moving up or down a surface. It can imply a sense of urgency or disorganization. She was scrambling up the rocky slope to catch her hat that had blown away The students were scrambling to finish their exams before time ran out
climb	A general term for ascending or going up, typically used for straightforward activities that don't necessarily involve intense difficulty. It can also be used metaphorically. She enjoys climbing mountains every summer He climbed the corporate ladder quickly with his hard work
clamber	Used when describing climbing with difficulty, often using both hands and feet, usually in situations where the surface is steep or awkward. He clambered up the steep hillside, pulling himself up with the tree roots The children clambered over the playground equipment
scuttle	To move quickly with short steps, often implying a sense of hurriedness or escaping. Usually used for smaller creatures or a person moving in a similar manner. The mouse scuttled across the kitchen floor She scuttled away as soon as she heard someone coming
scale	Used when describing the act of climbing something that is especially tall or challenging, often in a more formal or technical context. The mountaineers planned to scale the tallest peak in the range Engineers scaled the tower to inspect for damages

Examples of usage

They were scrambling up the rocky hill.
He scrambled over the fence to escape.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'scrambling'

The word 'scrambling' originated from the Middle English word 'scramblen' which meant 'to clamber'. It has evolved over time to refer to mixing up or climbing in a hurried or disordered way. The term is commonly used in both puzzle contexts and sports activities.

See also: scramble, scrambled, unscramble, unscrambling.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,842, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17839 souvenir
17840 extrapolated
17841 potentiality
17842 scrambling
17843 unrecognized
17844 rebut
17845 depraved
...