Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hardness

noun

/ˈhɑrdnəs/

Definition

The quality or condition of being hard; a measure of a material’s resistance to deformation or scratching.

Examples

The hardness of diamonds makes them ideal for cutting tools.
He admired the hardness of her resolve in the face of adversity.
Different materials have different levels of hardness, which can be tested in various ways.

Meaning

Hardness refers to how resistant a substance is to being pressed or scratched. It can also describe a person’s character in terms of being tough or unyielding.