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
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