Scrounging: meaning, definitions and examples

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scrounging

 

[ ˈskraʊndʒɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

seeking resources

Scrounging refers to the act of searching for and gathering resources, often in a casual or opportunistic manner. It can involve finding items that are discarded or not wanted by others, as well as seeking help or favors without the intention of repayment.

Synonyms

collecting, foraging, gathering, scraping

Examples of usage

  • He spent the afternoon scrounging for food in the park.
  • She was scrounging around the house for spare change.
  • They were scrounging materials to build a shelter.
  • I saw him scrounging through the trash for any useful items.

Translations

Translations of the word "scrounging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mendigando

🇮🇳 खुर्दबुर्द करना

🇩🇪 betteln

🇮🇩 mengemis

🇺🇦 жебракування

🇵🇱 żebranie

🇯🇵 物乞いする

🇫🇷 mendicité

🇪🇸 mendigar

🇹🇷 dilencilik

🇰🇷 구걸하다

🇸🇦 تسول

🇨🇿 žebrání

🇸🇰 žobranie

🇨🇳 乞讨

🇸🇮 prošnja

🇮🇸 sópa

🇰🇿 кедейлік

🇬🇪 მინდა

🇦🇿 dilənmək

🇲🇽 mendigar

Word origin

The term 'scrounging' originates from the mid-19th century and is believed to be derived from the English dialect word 'scrounch' which means to crunch or to crush. The word reflects the idea of rummaging or searching for something that is not readily available, similar to 'scrounging around', implying a sense of urgency or need. Over time, it has evolved to encompass not only the physical act of searching for discarded or unwanted items but also the concept of seeking help or resources from others without offering anything in return. This broader usage highlights social dynamics, especially in times of need, and can carry both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,242, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.