hard time
noun
US
: a long or difficult prison sentence
He could be facing hard time for his crimes.
Examples of hard time in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Teenagers hoping to hold the whistle as a lifeguard or camp counselor, or just work any job this summer are having a hard time getting hired.
—
Dianna Douglas, NPR, 6 June 2026
Many new parents have a hard time finding the time to take a shower, blow-dry their hair, or spend more than a few seconds choosing an outfit.
—Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 5 June 2026
He's had a hard time getting tickets for the matches, but accomplishing this could be the next best thing.
—Chilekasi Adele, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Mosquitoes have a hard time flying when there is air movement.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard time
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Dianna Douglas, NPR, 6 June 2026
Many new parents have a hard time finding the time to take a shower, blow-dry their hair, or spend more than a few seconds choosing an outfit.
—Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 5 June 2026
He's had a hard time getting tickets for the matches, but accomplishing this could be the next best thing.
—Chilekasi Adele, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Mosquitoes have a hard time flying when there is air movement.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hard time
Cite this Entry
“Hard time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard%20time. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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