1
: the quality or state of being hard
2
a
: the cohesion of the particles on the surface of a mineral as determined by its capacity to scratch another or be itself scratched compare mohs' scale
b
: resistance of metal to indentation under a static load or to scratching
Examples of hardness in a Sentence
the hardness of a diamond
The wood's hardness makes it suitable for carving.
Recent Examples on the Web
With a deeper, coarser base structure (thanks to a grinding process using the hardness of natural diamonds), the Aeroguide is easier to ski in warm, moist conditions—a good thing in a warming world.
—
Stephanie Pearson, Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2024
Wheel Size and Hardness: Wheels are measured by durometer (hardness) and diameter, which both affect speed.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 23 Sep. 2024
Rather, his athleticism and hardness will get him to the league.
—Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024
Computational hardness was clearly necessary for bit commitments and most other forms of cryptography, but precisely what kind of hardness?
—Ben Brubaker, WIRED, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for hardness 
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Stephanie Pearson, Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2024
Wheel Size and Hardness: Wheels are measured by durometer (hardness) and diameter, which both affect speed.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 23 Sep. 2024
Rather, his athleticism and hardness will get him to the league.
—Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024
Computational hardness was clearly necessary for bit commitments and most other forms of cryptography, but precisely what kind of hardness?
—Ben Brubaker, WIRED, 30 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for hardness
Dictionary Entries Near hardness
Cite this Entry
“Hardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardness. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hardness
noun
hard·ness
ˈhärd-nəs 
1
: the quality or state of being hard
2
: the ability of a substance (as a mineral) to scratch another substance or be itself scratched
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