scratching out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Just 10% of Kenyan workers have formal jobs, meaning millions, especially young people, are scratching out a living on the edges of the economy, according to the World Bank.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 9, 2025

“My future life would flow out of this crucial choice because, once I had this precious instrument in my hands, I started scratching out three chords over which I sang snatches of my own melodies.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2024

I would exercise my First Amendment right to free speech—but in the old-fashioned way: by scratching out pamphlets with a quill pen and handing them out on the street.

From Slate • May 8, 2024

“We call it scratching out a line,” McNeill said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2023

I been practicing what I’m gonna say to Miss Cook, scratching out lines in my head that don’t work.

From "Finding Langston" by Lesa Cline-Ransome