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Definition of hardness

hardness

/ˈhɑːrdnəs/
hard · ness
Adverb:hardly
•
Plural:hardnesses
•
Adjective:hard
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hardness Lexical Profile

hardness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or condition of being physically solid, firm, and resistant to pressure, scratching, or deformation.

Example

"Geologists use the Mohs scale to measure the relative hardness of various minerals, with diamond ranking at the top."

2

Great difficulty, severity, or harshness of conditions, tasks, or treatment; a lack of sympathy or warmth in character.

Example

"Years of enduring the hardness of frontier life had given the settlers a quiet, unyielding resilience."

3

The concentration of dissolved mineral salts, especially calcium and magnesium compounds, in water, which inhibits the lathering of soap and causes scale buildup.

Example

"The municipal water report indicated a high level of hardness due to the limestone bedrock in the region."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for hardness

• Nearby Words

hardline
hardliner
hardly
hardness
hardnosed
hardraw
hardraw falls

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English heardnes, formed from the adjective heard ('solid, firm, severe') and the noun-forming suffix -nes.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hardness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hardness
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