hardness

noun

hard·ness | \ ˈhärd-nəs

How to pronounce hardness (audio)

\

Definition of hardness

1 : the quality or state of being hard

2a : the cohesion of the particles on the surface of a mineral as determined by its capacity to scratch another or be itself scratched — compare mohs' scale

b : resistance of metal to indentation under a static load or to scratching

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about hardness

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of hardness in a Sentence

the hardness of a diamond The wood's hardness makes it suitable for carving.

Recent Examples on the Web For water used for industrial purposes, the changes remove specific numeric standards for pH, chloride and hardness and replace them with a narrative description. — Jennifer Bjorhus, Star Tribune, "Judge approves MPCA changes to water quality standards," 9 Apr. 2021 High Hardness Performance Screwdriver Bits: 22 magnetic screwdriver bits (weakness magnetic to protect your electronics) made from alloy S2 steel, HRC 58-62, anti-rust treatment and hardness heated treatment finished. — Maren Estrada, BGR, "Amazon shoppers are so obsessed with this 22-in-1 screwdriver set for $22," 23 Mar. 2021 The steel has a hardness rating of 55 to 58 HRC, ensuring their durability. — Popular Science, "Cook like a professional with this set of five Damascus steel chef knives," 14 Mar. 2021 The chrome vanadium head has a hardness of 55-60HRC, which are Designed and manufactured by AMIR and ORIA using highest quality materials and methods. — Maren Estrada, BGR, "Have you seen these 10 exclusive Amazon deals for Prime members only?," 10 Mar. 2021 High Hardness Performance Screwdriver Bits: 22 magnetic screwdriver bits (weakness magnetic to protect your electronics) made from alloy S2 steel, HRC 58-62, anti-rust treatment and hardness heated treatment finished. — Maren Estrada, BGR, "Special Amazon coupon slashes this popular new 22-piece screwdriver set to $18.69 for 48 hours," 15 Mar. 2021 Dairy farmers across Canada have been asked to stop feeding cattle palm oil in response to complaints from consumers who complained about the hardness of their butter. — Karen Ho, Quartz, "The economics driving Canada’s “buttergate”," 4 Mar. 2021 Another choice are cobalt steel alloys, which can hold their hardness at high temperatures, and can even drill through stainless steel. — Popular Science, "Drill bit sets that can punch through the toughest projects," 1 Mar. 2021 Water filters remove bacteria, hardness, and unwanted impurities from water, such as sediment, taste, and odor, to improve its quality. — Claire Gillespie, Health.com, "Under a Boil Water Advisory? Here’s What You Need to Know—Including What You Can (and Can’t) Do," 19 Feb. 2021

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about hardness

Dictionary Entries near hardness

hardly/scarcely than

Statistics for hardness

Last Updated

17 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Hardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardness. Accessed 18 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for hardness

hardness

noun

English Language Learners Definition of hardness

: the quality or state of being hard

See the full definition for hardness in the English Language Learners Dictionary

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

forfend

Listen to the pronunciation of forfend

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

The Exceptions Quiz III

Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ