adj Uncommon

hardened

HAHDND

Hardened (adj) means Made physically hard or tough, often through a deliberate process. Example: “The blade is made of hardened steel.”

adj

Made physically hard or tough, often through a deliberate process.

"The blade is made of hardened steel."

"Hardened concrete can withstand heavy loads."

Used to describe someone who has become numb to something unpleasant through repeated exposure, especially a habitual criminal or a person shaped by tough experience.

"He was a hardened criminal who had spent half his life in prison."

"The paramedics grew hardened to the sight of blood after years on the job."

How to use hardened

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMade tough or unfeeling, either physically (like metal) or emotionally (through repeated hard experience).

Common mistake

Don't confuse the emotional sense ("hardened to violence") with simple physical toughness ("hardened steel") — context decides which one is meant.

Common pairings

hardened criminal hardened steel hardened attitude

Word forms

more hardened comparative, most hardened superlative

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The blade is made of _____ steel.

Rhymes for hardened

opened saddened awakened unopened darkened softened sickened weakened burdened loosened flattened sweetened

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Frequently asked questions

What does “hardened” mean?

The word “hardened” means made physically hard or tough, often through a deliberate process. In plain terms, made tough or unfeeling, either physically (like metal) or emotionally (through repeated hard experience).

How do you pronounce “hardened”?

“Hardened” is pronounced HAHDND (/ˈhɑɹd(ə)nd/ in IPA).

How do you use “hardened” in a sentence?

Here is “hardened” used in a sentence: “The blade is made of hardened steel.”

What part of speech is “hardened”?

“Hardened” is an adjective.

Is “hardened” a common word?

“Hardened” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “hardened” have?

“Hardened” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made physically hard or tough, often through a deliberate process.