Word
hardness
Phoneticshard·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹdnəs/
UK/hˈɑːdnəs/
Definitions
01physical solidity
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the quality of being firm and solid, not soft or easy to bend.
n. the physical quality of being rigid or resistant to pressure; the state of being solid in texture.
“The hardness of the mattress made it difficult for him to sleep comfortably.”
“The geologist tested the hardness of the rock sample to determine its mineral composition and structural integrity.”
Antonyms
02resistance to scratching
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. how much a material can resist being scratched or dented.
n. the resistance of a solid material to various kinds of permanent shape change when a force is applied.
“Diamonds are famous for their extreme hardness, as they can scratch almost any other surface.”
“Engineers must account for the surface hardness of the alloy to ensure the gears do not wear down prematurely under high friction.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03minerals in water
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the amount of minerals, like calcium, found in water.
n. the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts in water, affecting its reaction with soap.
“High water hardness can cause white scales to build up inside your kettle.”
“The technician measured the water hardness in parts per million to determine if a commercial softener was required for the boiler system.”
Synonyms
04emotional severity
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Literary
n. a quality of being cold, strict, or showing no sympathy.
n. a lack of sensitivity, compassion, or gentleness in a person's character or actions.
“She was surprised by the hardness in his voice when he told her to leave.”
“The novel explores the hardness of the protagonist's heart, forged by years of betrayal and social isolation.”
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English hardness, hardnesse, from Old English heardnes, from heard + -nes, equivalent to hard + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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