hard-won knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard-won knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the knowledge that was acquired through much difficulty or effort. For example, "Her years of hard work have given her access to a wealth of hard-won knowledge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Emin's lived-in bed is consecrated by hard-won knowledge.

The New Yorker

The witticisms are finally replaced by hard-won knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

His hard-won knowledge sheds an unexpected and painful light on the world he portrayed.

The Guardian - Books

Like many autodidacts, Mears expresses his hard-won knowledge in quite a fierce way.

The Guardian

The answer, he realizes, lies in free will and the hard-won knowledge that life is "Hell for everyone.

The New Yorker

The movie is exhilarating in a way that only hard-won knowledge of the world can be.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

But as much of the infrastructure damage in Nepal has shown, it is also very important to apply this hard-won engineering knowledge and retro-fit older buildings as well.

The Economist

Only through the practice of questioning the status quo can students truly say that they are placing their hard-won theoretical knowledge at the service of the people – as all activist intellectuals aspire to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

They also work the cumbersome machinery of the justice system semi-military police hierarchiesystem semi-military jockeying for policege, procedure-driven district attorney offices, and backlogged courts—transforming hierarchiesreet knowithge intheirblic narrativendlessesponsibility for crime.

Harvard University

This phenomenon highlights the vast chasm between hard-won scientific knowledge and the public's understanding of science.

Forbes

To Holiday's high, hornlike tone he added the hard-won self-knowledge of an out gay man.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hard-won knowledge" to emphasize not just the information itself, but the value and significance gained through the process of obtaining it. For example, use this phrase when describing achievements that involved struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "hard-won knowledge" when describing easily obtainable information. The phrase implies significant effort and struggle; using it inappropriately weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard-won knowledge" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "hard-won" modifies the noun "knowledge". It highlights that the knowledge was acquired through significant effort or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard-won knowledge" describes expertise gained through considerable effort and experience, emphasizing the value and credibility of the understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage. It is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, where its emphasis on perseverance and practical application adds depth to writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the implication of struggle and resilience, avoiding overuse in situations where knowledge is easily obtainable. Using related phrases like "experience gained through hardship" or "hard-earned wisdom" can provide nuance and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard-earned wisdom

Similar to hard-won knowledge, but emphasizes the wisdom aspect.

knowledge acquired through struggle

Focuses on the struggle involved in obtaining the knowledge.

lessons learned the hard way

Focuses on the difficult process of learning.

knowledge gained through perseverance

Emphasizes the role of persistence in acquiring knowledge.

experience gained through hardship

Highlights the experiential aspect and the difficulty of acquisition.

insights derived from tough experiences

Emphasizes the insightful understanding gained from difficult experiences.

expertise born of adversity

Emphasizes the role of adversity in shaping expertise.

skill developed through adversity

Highlights the development of skills through challenging situations.

wisdom gleaned from experience

Highlights the wisdom component derived from practical experience.

understanding forged in the crucible of experience

Uses metaphorical language to emphasize the transformative power of experience.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "hard-won knowledge" in a sentence?

Use "hard-won knowledge" to describe insights or skills gained through considerable effort or overcoming obstacles. For example, "Her "hard-won knowledge" of the industry proved invaluable during the crisis."

What are some alternatives to "hard-won knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "hard-earned wisdom", "experience gained through hardship", or "knowledge acquired through struggle" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "hard-won knowledge" and "book learning"?

"Hard-won knowledge" typically refers to practical, experience-based understanding, while "book learning" refers to theoretical knowledge acquired through study. The former implies practical application and resilience.

When is it appropriate to use "hard-won knowledge" instead of "expertise"?

Use "hard-won knowledge" when you want to emphasize the challenging circumstances or significant effort involved in gaining the "expertise". It highlights the value and depth of understanding that comes from overcoming difficulties.