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Definition of hardness noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

hardness

noun
 
/ˈhɑːdnəs/
 
/ˈhɑːrdnəs/
[uncountable]
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  1. the quality of being solid, stiff and difficult to bend or break
    • It will soon be possible to design materials that approach the hardness of diamonds.
    opposite softness
  2. the fact of being full of difficulty and problems, especially because of a lack of money synonym toughness
    • I started thinking about the hardness and toughness of life.
    opposite ease (2)
  3. the quality of putting a lot of effort or energy into an activity
    • Others may match her mental hardness; nobody will surpass it.
  4. the fact of needing or using a lot of physical strength or mental effort
    • These men enjoy the hardness of the work.
  5. the fact of showing no kind feelings or sympathy
    • hardness of heart
  6. the fact of being ready to fight and showing no signs of fear or weakness
    • He's honest and forthright, but there is that hardness about him that's needed.
  7. the fact of being difficult to do, understand or answer
    • The hardness of the questions varied a lot.
  8. the quality in facts of being definitely true and based on evidence that can be proved
    • They want to be sure of the hardness of the data.
  9. the quality in water of containing calcium and other mineral salts that make mixing with soap difficult
    • water hardness
    opposite softness
See hardness in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
perspective
noun
 
 
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