the hard way
noun
: in a way that involves difficult or painful experiences
He found out the hard way that crime doesn't pay.
She insisted on doing things the hard way.
Examples of the hard way in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Here’s a story from the 2022 that explains her late development and how dreams come true the hard way.
—
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Ford learned that the hard way with the Probe; Chrysler, likewise, with the 1980s revival of the Dodge Charger.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026
Some drivers who speed through Aledo have learned the hard way that the small city in Parker County now has its own police force.
—Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
Pam Bondi learned it the hard way.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the hard way
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Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Ford learned that the hard way with the Probe; Chrysler, likewise, with the 1980s revival of the Dodge Charger.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026
Some drivers who speed through Aledo have learned the hard way that the small city in Parker County now has its own police force.
—Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
Pam Bondi learned it the hard way.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the hard way
Cite this Entry
“The hard way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20hard%20way. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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