Entry Word: hardness

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 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> — see difficulty 1
2 the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism) <the auntʼs hardness gave way under the influence of the little goat girlʼs endearing ways> — see severity