scrape by
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.
"I work in retail," Aline tells us, "you barely scrape by."
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
Jobs outside of the farm are common in rural areas, and they’ve become increasingly important for farmers needing to scrape by in tough times.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026
James was a stalwart patriarch of a working-class family on the Chicago's South Side struggling to scrape by, earning what he could by juggling part-time work.
From Salon • Oct. 1, 2024
Professors juggle multiple jobs just to scrape by.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2024
It didn’t make me as brave as old Daniel, but it always gave me at least a little hope the Lord would let me scrape by.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
![]()