rock-solid

IPA/ˌrɒk ˈsɒlɪd/
IPA/ˌrɑːk ˈsɑːlɪd/

rock-solid — adjective

1. describing an object or structure that is fixed securely in place and unlikely t

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing an object or structure that is fixed securely in place and unlikely to move, wobble, or collapse under normal use or pressure.

例句

Theo checked that the ladder was rock-solid before climbing up to fix the gutter.

pattern: check that + object + is rock-solid

Aisha wedged a cloth under the table leg to make it rock-solid on the uneven floor.

collocation: make + object + rock-solid

同義詞
  • sturdy

    suggests strength and durability but is less emphatic than rock-solid

  • stable

    focuses on balance and not tipping; used for both objects and situations

  • firm

    broader in use; can describe objects, ground, or even a person's grip

反義詞
  • wobbly

    moves easily from side to side

  • unstable

    likely to tip, collapse, or fail

用法筆記

Often describes furniture, ladders, scaffolding, or other load-bearing objects. Do not use for living things — people are 'steady on their feet,' not 'rock-solid.'

常見錯誤

❌I felt rock-solid after the workout.
✅I felt strong and steady after the workout.
💡rock-solid is used for objects or structures, not human bodies or feelings.

2. describing a material or surface that is exceptionally dense, firm, and resistan

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describing a material or surface that is exceptionally dense, firm, and resistant to being pressed, scratched, or broken apart.

例句

Hakim could not break the rock-solid frozen ground with his shovel, even after an hour.

collocation: rock-solid frozen ground

Mei-Lin baked the clay pots until the walls turned rock-solid.

pattern: turn + rock-solid (change of state)

同義詞
  • hard

    the everyday word for firmness; less extreme than rock-solid

  • dense

    scientific or technical; describes how tightly packed the material is

  • impenetrable

    formal and stronger — nothing can get through

反義詞
  • soft

    yields easily to pressure

  • brittle

    hard but breaks easily under force

用法筆記

Common with materials like frozen ground, dry clay, concrete, and aged wood. Unlike sense 1 (STURDY AND STABLE), this sense focuses on physical hardness and density, not on whether the object will move or fall.

常見錯誤

❌The cake was rock-solid when I took it out of the fridge.
✅The cake was hard when I took it out of the fridge.
💡rock-solid suggests extreme, almost unnatural hardness; for everyday food items, use 'hard' or 'firm.'

3. describing a plan, relationship, system, or quality that is very dependable and

3.形容詞B2
釋義

describing a plan, relationship, system, or quality that is very dependable and unlikely to be affected by problems, doubts, or changes.

例句

Elena and her brother have a rock-solid agreement to split all household costs.

collocation: rock-solid agreement

Chloe earned a fast promotion thanks to her rock-solid work ethic.

collocation: rock-solid work ethic

同義詞
  • reliable

    the standard everyday word; less emphatic than rock-solid

  • dependable

    very similar to reliable; common for people and machines

  • unshakeable

    even stronger — impossible to weaken or disrupt

反義詞
  • shaky

    likely to fail or be proven wrong

  • unreliable

    cannot be trusted to perform consistently

用法筆記

Used only for abstract things — agreements, reputations, trust, evidence, relationships. Do not use for physical objects in this sense. Distinguish from sense 1 (STURDY AND STABLE), which is about physical movement, and sense 2 (EXTREMELY HARD), which is about physical density.

常見錯誤

❌I bought a rock-solid used car.
✅I bought a very reliable used car.
💡rock-solid for vehicles is unusual unless you mean the frame is physically solid. Use 'reliable' or 'dependable.'