hard-core

adjective

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\ ˈhärd-ˈkȯr

Definition of hard-core

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : of, relating to, or being part of a hard core hard-core poverty the hard-core unemployed

b : confirmed, die-hard hard-core rock fans a hard-core liberal

2 of pornography : containing explicit descriptions of sex acts or scenes of actual sex acts — compare soft-core

3 : characterized by or being the purest or most basic form of something : fundamental a room gussied up in hard-core French provincial style— John Canaday

hard core

noun

Definition of hard core (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a central or fundamental and usually enduring group or part: such as

a : a relatively small enduring core of society marked by apparent resistance to change or inability to escape a persistent wretched condition (such as poverty or chronic unemployment)

b : a militant or fiercely loyal faction

2 usually hardcore \ ˈhärd-ˌkȯr

\, chiefly British : hard material in pieces (such as broken bricks or stone) used as a bottom (as in making roads and in foundations)

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About hard-core

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Examples of hard-core in a Sentence

Noun He knows that he can count on the support of a hard core of party loyalists.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Pick raspberries when the fruit is firm but soft, deeply colored, and easily slides off the hard core. — Melinda Myers, Star Tribune, 30 July 2021 For the hard core hikers, anything under 10 miles in rugged conditions might not be considered a real hike. — Field & Stream, 9 Mar. 2021 The data show mixed results for the policy; countries with soft measures like transparency and disclosure get better results than those with hard core price controls as proposed by California. — Roslyn Layton, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2021 Experts on extremism say that the hard core of the far right is apt to become more extreme, and that there’s a high risk of political violence in the months to come. — Laura Blasey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2021 Trump can get part of the way by rallying his hard core of white working-class voters and notching gains with Latinos impressed by his handling of the economy and tough stance on Cuba. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2020 Many are peaceful, but a hard core have repeatedly attacked police and burned buildings. — Star Tribune, 4 Sep. 2020 Many cameras can be ruggedized with the addition of a case, but the GoPro is hard core on its own. — Gabrielle Hondorp, Popular Mechanics, 25 June 2020 Or at least that's how the guy at the carwash sees them: both too hard core for his suburban operation. — Ezra Dyer, Car and Driver, 4 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hard-core.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.