# diehard

/ˈdaɪˌhɑɹd/ (US) · /dˈaɪhɑːd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diehard
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

someone who refuses to change their mind or stop supporting something, even when it is no longer popular. You use this for people who stick to old habits or beliefs.

For teachers: a person who remains loyal to a person, cause, or belief despite opposition or changing circumstances. Often carries a slightly negative connotation of being overly stubborn or resistant to progress.

## Examples

- He is a diehard fan of the local football team.
- Despite the new technology, the office still had a few diehards who refused to use the cloud-based software.
- The political party struggled to modernize its image because the diehards in the legislature were determined to preserve the traditional policies that had defined the organization for decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.