Definition of hard
1 a
: not easily penetrated : not easily yielding to pressure
- hard surfaces
- an uncomfortably hard chair
b
of cheese
: not capable of being spread : very firm
2 a
of liquor
(1)
: having a harsh or acid taste
(2)
: strongly alcoholic
b
: characterized by the presence of salts (as of calcium or magnesium) that prevent lathering with soap
- hard water
3 a
: of or relating to radiation of relatively high penetrating power : having high energy
- hard X-rays
b
: having or producing relatively great photographic contrast
- a hard negative
4 a
: metallic as distinct from paper
- hard money
b
of currency
: convertible into gold : stable in value
c
: usable as currency
- paid in hard cash
d
of currency
: readily acceptable in international trade
e
: being high and unlikely to change
- hard prices
5 a
: firmly and closely twisted
- hard yarns
b
of fabrics
: having a smooth close napless finish
- a hard worsted
6 a
: physically fit
- in good hard condition
b
: resistant to stress or disease : hardy
- a hard plant
c
: free of weakness : unyielding
- a man of hard unbending will
c
: free from sentimentality or illusion : realistic
- good hard sense
d
: unlikely to respond in a kind or sympathetic way : unfeeling
- a hard heart
8 a (1)
: difficult to bear or endure
- hard luck
- hard times
(2)
: oppressive, inequitable
- sales taxes are hard on the poor
- a hard restriction
c (1)
: harsh, severe, or offensive in tendency or effect
- said some hard things
(2)
: marked by resentment
- hard feelings
(3)
: strict, unrelenting
- drives a hard bargain
e (1)
: intense in force, manner, or degree
- hard blows
(2)
: demanding the exertion of energy : calling for stamina and endurance
- hard work
(3)
: performing or carrying on with great energy, intensity, or persistence
- a hard worker
f
: most unyielding or thoroughgoing
- the hard political right
9 a
: characterized by sharp or harsh outline, rigid execution, and stiff drawing
- hard forms
b
: sharply defined : stark
- hard shadows
c
: lacking in shading, delicacy, or resonance
- hard singing tones
d
: sounding as in candy and geese respectively
—used of c and g
- the word arc is pronounced with a hard c
e
: suggestive of toughness or insensitivity
- hard eyes
10 a (1)
: difficult to accomplish or resolve : troublesome
- hard problems
- the true story was hard to come by
(2)
: difficult to comprehend or explain
- a hard concept
b
: having difficulty in doing something
- hard of hearing
c
: difficult to magnetize or demagnetize
11
: being at once addictive and gravely detrimental to health
- such hard drugs as heroin
12
: resistant to biodegradation
- hard detergents
- hard pesticides such as DDT
13
: being, schooled in, or using the methods of the natural sciences and especially of the physical sciences
- a hard scientist
14
of money
: contributed (as by individuals or political action committees) directly to a particular candidate or campaign
