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
1
Made physically hard or tough, often through a deliberate process.
"The blade is made of hardened steel."
"Hardened concrete can withstand heavy loads."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more hardened
- Superlative
- most hardened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The blade is made of _____ steel.
Related words
Rhymes for hardened
opened
saddened
awakened
unopened
darkened
softened
sickened
weakened
burdened
loosened
flattened
sweetened
See all rhymes for hardened →
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.
