Synonyms of hardness

hardness

noun

ˈhärd-nəs 

1

as in hardship

something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal

the test questions were rated for hardness, a rating of five indicating the most difficult

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hardship
• difficulty
• obstacle
• asperity
• rigor
• adversity
• hurdle
• discomfort
• trial
• inconvenience
• inhibition
• nuisance
• obstruction
• interference
• misfortune
• let
• tribulation
• impediment
• hindrance
• rub
• handicap
• tragedy
• affliction
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• knock
• chain
• mishap
• deterrent
• shackle
• block
• snag
• catch
• stop
• hitch
• crimp
• clog
• hump
• trammel
• bar
• manacle
• pons asinorum
• check
• fetter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opportunity
• advantage
• break

2

as in severity

the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)

the aunt's hardness gradually crumbled under the influence of the little orphan's endearing ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

• severity
• rigidity
• rigidness
• strictness
• sternness
• inflexibility
• stringency
• harshness
• rigor
• exactingness
• rigorousness
• callousness
• obduracy
• implacability
• gruffness
• firmness
• pitilessness
• steadfastness
• hard-heartedness
• resolve
• monasticism
• stubbornness
• obstinacy
• determination
• obdurateness
• dourness
• asceticism
• austereness
• austerity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flexibility
• gentleness
• tolerance
• tenderness
• softness
• patience
• kindness
• indulgence
• willingness
• responsiveness
• mildness
• laxness
• forbearance
• compliance
• lenience
• pliability
• pliancy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hardness

An unexpected discovery Diamond is valued in advanced technology because of its exceptional hardness, optical properties, and thermal conductivity (Tc). — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026

Load size, water hardness, soil level and machine type all affect how much detergent your laundry actually needs per load. — Ryan Brennan may 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026

Going into the study, the team hypothesized that pincers built for generating high crushing force would contain the highest levels of metal to provide maximum hardness, while enrichment in the weaker, slender pincers would be lower. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026

Its replaceable filters will help reduce water hardness. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026