hard time

noun

1. a period of difficulties or hardship.
2. Slang. time actually served in a prison or other penal institution:

   He had merely been fined before, but now was sentenced to 90 days' hard time in the county jail.

3. give a hard time, Informal. to bother, annoy, or harass:

   He gave me a hard time about the money I owe him.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard time¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

“I just ask for all the prayer warriors to put their blessing hands on me and my family through these hard times,” Moss said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Life ain’t nothing without family, you know, and they’re the ones who help you get through the hard times, as well as the good times, you know. ... They your anchor, your strength.”

From Los Angeles Times

I think that's a hard time to have a long distance relationship.

From Salon

The team was having a hard time moving tickets, so Browns owner Art Modell offered free admission to every high school football staff in the region.

From Los Angeles Times

What’s missing are the character nuances that speak to hard times under a divided church, and how that affected Bonhoeffer the man and a citizen, not just the servant of God.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admonition
• censure
• condemnation
• disapproval
• punishment
• rebuff
• reproach
• snub