hard·scrab·ble 
/ˈhɑɚdˌskræbəl/ adjective
/ˈhɑɚdˌskræbəl/ adjective [more hardscrabble; most hardscrabble] US 1 : having poor soil
▪ a hardscrabble farm ▪ hardscrabble prairies 2 : having harsh and difficult conditions because of poverty
▪ a hardscrabble childhood ▪ He lived a hardscrabble life. ▪ a hardscrabble cotton town
▪ a hardscrabble farm ▪ hardscrabble prairies
▪ a hardscrabble childhood ▪ He lived a hardscrabble life. ▪ a hardscrabble cotton town
