scramble

To move or try to do something quickly and with difficulty, often because there is little time.

• He scrambled out of bed.
• We scrambled to get everything ready.
• The staff are scrambling to respond to the sudden changes.

How to use it: scramble to do something (We scrambled to finish the report before noon.); scramble out of/into something (She scrambled out of the car when she saw the smoke.)

Similar words: rush, hurry

Common phrases: scramble to finish, scramble out of, scramble to safety, scramble across something

To mix eggs and cook them while stirring, so they form soft pieces.

• I'll scramble some eggs.
• He scrambled two eggs with a little butter.
• Do you scramble eggs with milk?

Common phrases: scramble eggs, scramble an egg, scramble with cheese

To climb quickly with difficulty, using your hands as well as your feet.

• We scrambled up the hill.
• She scrambled over the rocks to reach the beach.
• Can you scramble down this slope safely?

How to use it: scramble up/down/over something (We scrambled up the steep bank.)

Similar words: clamber

Common phrases: scramble up something, scramble over something, scramble down something

To hurry and compete with other people to get something.

• The children scrambled for the sweets.
• Fans are scrambling to buy tickets.
• Several companies scrambled for the contract.

How to use it: scramble for something (Hundreds of fans scrambled for the remaining tickets.); scramble to get something (Investors scrambled to get shares in the new company.)

Common phrases: scramble for something, scramble for tickets, scramble to buy

To mix things into the wrong order or change a message so it cannot be understood.

• Scramble the letters to make a puzzle.
• The equipment scrambled the radio signal.
• A computer error has scrambled the order of the pages.

Similar words: mix up, jumble

Opposites: unscramble

Common phrases: scramble a message, scramble the letters, scramble a signal

A hurried, sometimes difficult effort to move somewhere or get something done.

• There was a scramble to catch the bus.
• We reached the top after a difficult scramble.
• The delay caused a last-minute scramble to prepare dinner.

How to use it: a scramble to do something (There was a scramble to finish before the deadline.); a scramble for something (The announcement started a scramble for seats.)

Similar words: rush

Common phrases: last minute scramble, scramble to safety, scramble for something

A dish of eggs cooked while stirring, mixed with vegetables, cheese, or other foods.

• I ordered a vegetable scramble.
• She served the egg scramble with toast.
• Their breakfast scramble includes cheese, mushrooms, and bacon.

Similar words: hash

Common phrases: breakfast scramble, vegetable scramble, egg scramble

A motorcycle race over rough ground.

• He entered a scramble on Sunday.
• The scramble took place on a muddy course.
• Several riders fell during the motorcycle scramble.

Similar words: motocross race

Common phrases: motorcycle scramble, scramble race, enter a scramble