hardness
ˈhɑːdnəs
Definition Synonyms

Definition of hardness - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
material strengthquality of being hard or firm
  • The hardness of the diamond is unmatched.
firmness rigidity solidity
2.
workdifficulty or challenge in a task
  • The hardness of the exam surprised everyone.
arduousness rigor
3.
material scienceTECH.resistance to scratching or cuttingTECH.
  • Steel's hardness makes it ideal for tools.
durability rigidity toughness
4.
emotional qualitysternness or lack of emotion
  • His hardness made him a feared leader.
insensitivity rigidity sternness
5.
water qualityTECH.measure of calcium in waterTECH.
  • The water's hardness affects soap lathering.
water hardness
6.
beam shieldingTECH.penetrating ability of radiationTECH.
  • The x-ray's hardness determines its penetration depth.
firmness rigidity
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Expressions with hardness

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method that measures how strongly a solid resists scratches or dents
The engineer performed a hardness test on the steel sample.
hardness in water removable by boiling
Temporary hardness can be removed by boiling the water.
measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water
The water hardness affects how soap lathers.
level of resistance a solid has to scratching or permanent marking
The degree of hardness of the alloy determines how easily it can be machined.
hardness in water that cannot be removed by boiling
The permanent hardness of the water made it difficult to wash clothes.
measure of material's resistance to indentation
The Vickers hardness of the steel was tested to ensure its durability..

Origin of hardness

Old English, heard (hard) + -ness (state)

Terms with hardness included in their meaning

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physical
lose firmness or hardness
writing grade
pencil with hardness level 2
texture
lack of physical hardness or firmness in texture
hardness
extreme hardness or resilience
texture appearance
similar in texture, appearance, or hardness to cement
flintyadj.
like flint
resembling flint in appearance or hardness
appliance
device that reduces hardness of water
water treatment
device reducing water hardness using ion exchange

Examples of hardness in a sentence

  • Testing the hardness of the rock was essential.
  • We underestimated the hardness of repairing the roof.
  • Her training prepared her for the hardness of the job.
  • The hardness of the diamond is unmatched.
  • Engineers tested the hardness of the new alloy.
  • Her hardness in negotiations was unmatched.

View all translations of hardness

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:dureté, difficulté, ...
  2. German:Härte, die Schwierigkeit, ...
  3. Italian:durezza, difficoltà, ...
  4. Spanish:dureza, dificultad, ...
  5. Portuguese:dureza, dificuldade, ...
  6. Chinese:硬度, 难度, ...
  7. Japanese:硬さ, 難しさ, ...
  8. Arabic:صَلَابَة, صُعوبَة, ...
  9. Hebrew:קְשִׁיחוּת, קוֹשִׁי, ...
  10. Russian:твердость, сложность, ...
  11. Ukrainian:твердість, складність, ...
  12. Hindi:कठोरता, कठिनाई, ...
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