\ ˈhärd-ˈnäk
\
\
Definition of hard-knock
: marked by difficult or painful experiences or circumstances
For all of his gifts, Cabrera's greatest strength may be a toughness that came from his hard-knock life.— Alan Shipnuck
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about hard-knock
Dictionary Entries near hard-knock
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for hard-knock
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Hard-knock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-knock. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Comments on hard-knock
What made you want to look up hard-knock? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Who Knew?
-
- What is a ruelle?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share hard-knock
Time Traveler for hard-knock
The first known use of hard-knock was in 1967
See more words from the same year