hardened

American  

[hahr-dnd] / ˈhɑr dnd /

adjective

1. made or become hard or harder.

2. pitiless; unfeeling.

3. firmly established or unlikely to change; inveterate.

   a hardened criminal.

4. inured; toughened.

   a hardened trooper.

5. rigid; unyielding.

   a hardened attitude.

6. (of a missile base) equipped to launch missiles from underground silos.

7. (of a missile) capable of being launched from an underground silo.

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hardened British  

/ ˈhɑːdənd /

adjective

1. rigidly set, as in a mode of behaviour

2. toughened, as by custom; seasoned

3. (of a nuclear missile site) constructed to withstand a nuclear attack

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Other Word Forms

• semihardened adjective
• unhardened adjective
• well-hardened adjective

Etymology

Origin of hardened

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; harden, -ed ²

Example Sentences

Many people fear the regime will emerge from the attacks hardened and embittered.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Speaking on Radio Wales Breakfast, Carnall said "a few hardened campers" have carried on with their plans but it is "very lucky... we're able to take touring vans and motorhomes as well".

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

But parts of northern Thailand are seeing haze that even hardened locals say is exceptional.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Shredded cheese can also be whisked in or sprinkled immediately after the egg mixture hits the pan to create a slightly hardened top layer.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

Then, finally, with the hardened snot like tiny stones rolled in front of the entrances of his nose, TJ turned the bottom of his shirt up and mopped it.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

• seasoned