Word
harder
Phoneticshard·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹdɝ/
UK/hˈɑːdɐ/
Definitions
01more difficult
A2 · Elementary
adj. more difficult to do, understand, or deal with.
adj. denoting a higher level of difficulty or complexity compared to another task or situation.
“The second level of the game is much harder than the first.”
“The advanced physics module proved significantly harder than the introductory course, requiring twice as many hours of independent study.”
Pitfall
This exam was more harder than the last one.
This exam was harder than the last one.
Do not use 'more' with 'harder'. The '-er' ending already means 'more'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02more solid
A2 · Elementary
adj. more solid or firm; not easy to break or bend.
adj. possessing a higher degree of physical rigidity or resistance to pressure.
“This mattress is harder than my old one, but it is better for my back.”
“The alloy becomes harder after the cooling process, making it suitable for industrial cutting tools.”
Antonyms
03with more effort
A2 · Elementary
adv. with more energy, strength, or effort.
adv. with greater intensity, force, or application of effort.
“You need to study harder if you want to pass the final exam.”
“The team worked harder in the second half, eventually overcoming the deficit to win the championship match.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “harder” in context.
Etymology
From hard + -er.
From Afrikaans haarder (“mullet”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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