What does "harder" mean?

1. (more difficult) more difficult to do, understand, or deal with. 2. (more solid) more solid or firm; not easy to break or bend. 3. (with more effort) with more energy, strength, or effort.

Is it correct to say "This exam was more harder than the last one."?

No — say "This exam was harder than the last one.". Do not use 'more' with 'harder'. The '-er' ending already means 'more'.

harder

adj. · adv.

US //ˈhɑɹdɝ// UK //hˈɑːdɐ// hard·er

1 more difficult (adj.)
A2 Elementary

more difficult to do, understand, or deal with.

denoting a higher level of difficulty or complexity compared to another task or situation.

Example

The second level of the game is much harder than the first.

Example

The advanced physics module proved significantly harder than the introductory course, requiring twice as many hours of independent study.
- tougher
- more difficult
- easier
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'.
2 more solid (adj.)
A2 Elementary

more solid or firm; not easy to break or bend.

possessing a higher degree of physical rigidity or resistance to pressure.

Example

This mattress is harder than my old one, but it is better for my back.

Example

The alloy becomes harder after the cooling process, making it suitable for industrial cutting tools.
- firmer
- stiffer
- softer

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3 with more effort (adv.)
A2 Elementary

with more energy, strength, or effort.

with greater intensity, force, or application of effort.

Example

You need to study harder if you want to pass the final exam.

Example

The team worked harder in the second half, eventually overcoming the deficit to win the championship match.
- more intensely
- more vigorously
- less

Etymology 1

From hard + -er.

Etymology 2

From Afrikaans haarder (“mullet”).