What does "hardened" mean?

1. (desensitised to hardship) used to something difficult or unpleasant so that it no longer affects you. 2. (unlikely to change bad habits) having a bad habit or way of life for so long that it is unlikely to change. 3. (fortified against attack) made stronger or more protected against an attack. 4. (physically tough) made very hard or solid.

How do you use "hardened"?

Often followed by the preposition 'to'.

hardened

adj.

US //ˈhɑɹdənd// UK //hˈɑːdənd// hard·ened

1 desensitised to hardship (adj.)
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.

Example

The hardened reporter didn't seem bothered by the chaos around him.

Example

After years working in the emergency department, she had become hardened to the sight of trauma, maintaining a professional distance that others found difficult.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
- inured
- toughened
- accustomed
- sensitive
- naive
2 unlikely to change bad habits (adj.)
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.

Example

The police described the suspect as a hardened criminal with a long record.

Example

The judge noted that the defendant was a hardened offender who had shown no inclination toward rehabilitation despite numerous previous convictions.
- inveterate
- chronic
- confirmed
- reformed

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3 fortified against attack (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Military

made stronger or more protected against an attack.

reinforced or protected against physical or digital assault; highly fortified.

Example

The soldiers stayed inside a hardened bunker during the air raid.

Example

The facility was housed in a hardened underground complex designed to withstand a direct hit from conventional explosives.

Teacher's tip

In modern contexts, this is frequently used in computing to describe software or servers that have been secured against hackers.
- vulnerable
- exposed
4 physically tough (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

made very hard or solid.

having been made physically hard, tough, or rigid through a specific process.

Example

The hardened clay was difficult to break even with a hammer.

Example

The workers applied a layer of hardened resin to the surface to ensure it would remain waterproof for several decades.
- solidified
- stiffened
- softened