A1adjective1K

Hard

UK /["/hɑːd/"]/US /["/hɑːrd/"]/

Definition

difficult to do, understand or answer

In simple words: Not easy; needing a lot of effort.

Examples

  • The exam was very hard, and I struggled to answer all the questions.
  • She has a hard exterior, but she is kind on the inside.
  • It is hard to believe that he finished the project on time.
  • The ground was hard after months without rain.
  • He works hard every day to provide for his family.

Usage notes

Used to describe tasks or situations that require great effort or are difficult to understand. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, but may sound more informal in phrases like 'hard as nails'.

Grammar pattern

hard + verb (e.g. work hard)

Memory hint

Think of a 'hard rock' — tough, unyielding, and needing effort to break.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • rock hard

Synonyms

  • tough

Antonyms

  • easy
  • soft
  • gentle

Common mistakes

  • 'Hard' often confused with 'hardly', which means 'barely'.
  • Using 'hard' where 'hardy' (meaning strong) is intended.
  • Misplacing 'hard' in phrasal verbs, e.g., saying 'hard to give up' instead of 'hard to let go'.