hardest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hardest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the difficulty of something, typically in a superlative form. Example: "This is the hardest exam I have ever taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Low-income families are the ones that would be hardest hit by such a cost increase.

The Economist

Among new releases, one of the hardest outcomes to predict was Spooks: The Greater Good.

The Guardian - Film

The hardest climbing has only recently weighed into the new grade of 5.15 and then usually for single-rope-length sport climbs, which even then climbers may spend weeks or months attempting to overcome.

The Guardian

What is striking about Dawn Wall – and the reason it is being hailed as possibly the world's hardest climb – is that it has linked so much very hard climbing into a single route.

The Guardian

To some he was simply the hardest man in the game, the Hitman with the pint of Guinness hairdo.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a remarkable moment early in "The Swimmers" – which Fitzgerald called "the hardest story I ever wrote, too big for its space" – when an unfaithful wife, who is French, complains about the American women she sees on the Riviera: "How would you place them?" she exclaimed.

The Guardian - Books

"This has been the hardest season I've ever had in every way," said McLean after the Uefa Cup final.

The Guardian - Sport

The country has also seen a 20% rise in food bank use in the past year, and Welsh people are being hit hardest by the bedroom tax, with more than one in five in rent arrears.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hardest thing is that you have to give 110% every day.

The Guardian

"This was always going to be the hardest task, now the ambition is to build on that.

The Guardian - Sport

Mrs Gada also pleaded for her relatives to be allowed in to the UK, and said: "Losing a child is one of the hardest things a person can experience, and at this time myself and my husband are both longing for the support of our family".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hardest", ensure the context clearly defines what is being compared to establish the superlative degree of difficulty. For example, specify "the hardest challenge" or "the hardest part of the job".

Common error

Avoid using "hardest" without a clear point of comparison. Saying "This is hardest" is grammatically incorrect; specify what it is hardest compared to (e.g., "This is the hardest exam I've ever taken").

Linguistic Context

The word "hardest" functions primarily as a superlative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating the highest degree of difficulty, rigidity, or intensity. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's used to describe the most challenging aspect of various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hardest" functions as a superlative adjective, indicating the utmost level of difficulty or rigidity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical standing is solid, and it frequents diverse contexts, predominantly within News & Media and Sport. When employing "hardest", clarity is key: ensure a discernible point of comparison to validate its superlative status. Alternatives such as "most challenging" or "toughest" can provide nuanced emphasis. Avoiding the redundant "most hardest" will keep your writing concise and accurate. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, "hardest" enhances descriptions by pinpointing the peak of challenges, offering clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most challenging

Emphasizes the difficulty as a test of one's abilities.

most difficult

A direct synonym, focusing on the degree of effort required.

toughest

Similar to "hardest" but with a stronger connotation of resilience needed.

most strenuous

Highlights the energy and effort involved.

most demanding

Focuses on the high expectations and requirements.

most laborious

Emphasizes the amount of work involved.

most grueling

Highlights the physically and mentally exhausting nature.

most formidable

Indicates a task that is difficult to overcome due to its size or strength.

steepest

Suggests a rapid increase in difficulty, often used metaphorically.

most unbearable

Emphasizes the extreme unpleasantness or difficulty, often in an emotional context.

FAQs

How can I use "hardest" in a sentence?

Use "hardest" as a superlative adjective to describe the most difficult or challenging aspect of something. For example, "The "hardest part" of the marathon was the final mile".

What are some synonyms for "hardest"?

Synonyms for "hardest" include "most challenging", "most difficult", and "toughest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the most hardest"?

No, it is incorrect to say "the most hardest". "Hardest" is already a superlative adjective, so adding "most" is redundant. Use either "hardest" or "most difficult", but not both together.

What's the difference between "hardest" and "most difficult"?

While "hardest" and "most difficult" are often interchangeable, "hardest" can sometimes imply a physical challenge or endurance, while "most difficult" may refer to intellectual or complex challenges. Context is key in determining the best choice.