Scratch out
verb
To erase or remove something by rubbing or scraping.
He scratched out the incorrect answer in his notebook.
Often appears as...
- scratch out a mistake
- scratch out words
verb
To write or draw something hurriedly or awkwardly.
He managed to scratch out a note before rushing to the hospital.
Often appears as...
- scratch out a note
- scratch out a message
verb
To manage to live or continue in a difficult situation, especially with a lack of money.
She's finding it hard to scratch out a living on her own.
Often appears as...
- scratch out a living
- scratch out an existence
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To erase or remove something by rubbing or scraping.
He scratched out the incorrect answer in his notebook.
Often appears as...
- scratch out a mistake
- scratch out words
verb
To write or draw something hurriedly or awkwardly.
He managed to scratch out a note before rushing to the hospital.
Often appears as...
- scratch out a note
- scratch out a message
verb
To manage to live or continue in a difficult situation, especially with a lack of money.
She's finding it hard to scratch out a living on her own.
Often appears as...
- scratch out a living
- scratch out an existence
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Correction Action
Often used when someone corrects written mistakes by physically removing them.
She scratched out the misspelled words in her essay.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Final
Suggests that what's written is not permanent and can be changed.
The draft had several figures scratched out and revised.
Pro Tip 3/3Visible Effort
Shows effort was made to remove something, often leaving marks.
Instructions were visible where he had scratched out his personal details.
Pro Tip 1/3Correction Action
Often used when someone corrects written mistakes by physically removing them.
She scratched out the misspelled words in her essay.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Final
Suggests that what's written is not permanent and can be changed.
The draft had several figures scratched out and revised.
Pro Tip 3/3Visible Effort
Shows effort was made to remove something, often leaving marks.
Instructions were visible where he had scratched out his personal details.
Pro Tip 1/3Correction Action
Often used when someone corrects written mistakes by physically removing them.
She scratched out the misspelled words in her essay.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Final
Suggests that what's written is not permanent and can be changed.
The draft had several figures scratched out and revised.
Pro Tip 3/3Visible Effort
Shows effort was made to remove something, often leaving marks.
Instructions were visible where he had scratched out his personal details.
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