Synonyms of hardness

hardness

noun

ˈhärd-nəs 

1

as in hardship

something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal

the test questions were rated for hardness, a rating of five indicating the most difficult

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hardship
• difficulty
• obstacle
• asperity
• rigor
• adversity
• hurdle
• discomfort
• trial
• inconvenience
• inhibition
• nuisance
• obstruction
• interference
• misfortune
• let
• tribulation
• impediment
• hindrance
• rub
• handicap
• tragedy
• affliction
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• knock
• chain
• mishap
• deterrent
• shackle
• block
• snag
• catch
• stop
• hitch
• crimp
• clog
• hump
• trammel
• bar
• manacle
• pons asinorum
• check
• fetter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opportunity
• advantage
• break

2

as in severity

the quality or state of being demanding or unyielding (as in discipline or criticism)

the aunt's hardness gradually crumbled under the influence of the little orphan's endearing ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

• severity
• rigidity
• rigidness
• strictness
• sternness
• inflexibility
• stringency
• harshness
• rigor
• exactingness
• rigorousness
• callousness
• obduracy
• implacability
• gruffness
• firmness
• pitilessness
• steadfastness
• hard-heartedness
• resolve
• monasticism
• stubbornness
• obstinacy
• obdurateness
• determination
• dourness
• asceticism
• austereness
• austerity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flexibility
• gentleness
• tolerance
• tenderness
• softness
• patience
• kindness
• indulgence
• willingness
• responsiveness
• mildness
• laxness
• forbearance
• compliance
• lenience
• pliability
• pliancy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hardness

The differentiator between the three is the hardness of the brush. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The best rocks are hard, non-porous rocks with a non-gritty surface, ideally a seven on the Mohs’ hardness scale. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

In this form, boron nitride becomes what scientists call a superhard material, second in hardness to diamond. — Robin MacAluso, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

It's recommended to clean your dishwasher filter every 3-6 months, depending on your usage frequency and water hardness. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 July 2026