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Definition of hardness : 1. The cohesion of the particles on the surface of a body, determined by its capacity to scratch another, or be itself scratched;- measured among minerals on a scale of which diamond and talc form the extremes.
2. The peculiar quality exhibited by water which has mineral salts dissolved in it. Such water forms an insoluble compound with soap, and is hence unfit for washing purposes.
3. The quality or state of being hard, literally or figuratively.

Synonyms:

ruggedness, rigor, austereness, steadiness, austerity, sturdiness, clumsiness, sternness, grimness, sureness, hardship, severeness, abrasiveness, change, callosity, rigorousness, rigourousness, cogency, rigour, badness, inclemency, awkwardness, callus, asperity, gracelessness, scratchiness, bad weather, better, continue, strictness, insensibility, stableness, inclementness, cruelty, fastness, validity, cruelness, soundness, easy, unfeelingness, security, stringency, huskiness

intractibility, solidity, temper, rigidity, firmness

impenitence, remorselessness

formidability, roughness, toughness, stressfulness, wearisomeness, difficulty, complication, oppressiveness, tightness, adversity, trickiness, harshness, ordeal, fussiness, cantankerousness, severity, contrariness, ticklishness, onerousness, cumbersomeness, knottiness, wearying, complexity, arduousness, strenuousness

hardheartedness, stoniness, nonchalance, indifference, passionlessness, coolness, aloofness, insensitiveness, detachment, apathy, insensitivity, callousness, dispassion, bluntness, objectiveness, passivity, ruthlessness, cold-bloodedness, numbness, heartlessness, emotionlessness

obstinacy, stiffness, bullheadedness, viscidity, steadfastness, doggedness, determination, tenacity, persistency, strength

stability, concreteness, substantiality

Usage examples:

• And inasmuch as on that day his whole soul was filled with love, his hardness was softened, and how gladly and thankfully my heart beat when I beheld him give his hand to the man who had endured so much woe for my sake. - "The Complete Historical Romances of Georg Ebers", Georg Ebers.
• And so this woman, whose hardness of heart and excessive cruelty Hungerford and I were keeping from the world, was now made into a heroine, around whom a halo of romance would settle whenever her name should be mentioned. - "Mrs. Falchion, Complete", Gilbert Parker Last Updated: March 12, 2009.
• And abruptly with the feel of her hands in his, his reserve broke down; the hardness went out of his eyes. - "The Stronger Influence", F.E. Mills Young.