hardened
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
used to something difficult or unpleasant so that it no longer affects you.
having become accustomed or desensitised to unpleasant experiences through prolonged exposure.
Simple“The hardened reporter didn't seem bothered by the chaos around him.”
In context“After years working in the emergency department, she had become hardened to the sight of trauma, maintaining a professional distance that others found difficult.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'to'.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
having a bad habit or way of life for so long that it is unlikely to change.
firmly established in a specific behaviour or lifestyle, typically one viewed negatively by society.
Simple“The police described the suspect as a hardened criminal with a long record.”
In context“The judge noted that the defendant was a hardened offender who had shown no inclination toward rehabilitation despite numerous previous convictions.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
made stronger or more protected against an attack.
reinforced or protected against physical or digital assault; highly fortified.
Simple“The soldiers stayed inside a hardened bunker during the air raid.”
In context“The facility was housed in a hardened underground complex designed to withstand a direct hit from conventional explosives.”
Teacher's tipIn modern contexts, this is frequently used in computing to describe software or servers that have been secured against hackers.
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
made very hard or solid.
having been made physically hard, tough, or rigid through a specific process.
Simple“The hardened clay was difficult to break even with a hammer.”
In context“The workers applied a layer of hardened resin to the surface to ensure it would remain waterproof for several decades.”
SynonymssolidifiedstiffenedAntonyms
“However, in arid regions such as Arizona and the Negev Desert , where Tzafit Canyon lies, the dry ground tends to form hardened crusts that make it harder for the water to sink in.”
“The thought of being killed like his brother-in-law hardened his resolve to be the one holding the gun.”