hardly

[hahrd-lee] / ˈhɑrd li /

ADVERB

scarcely; with difficulty

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barely comparatively practically rarely seldom simply somewhat

STRONG

just

WEAK

almost inconceivably almost not by a hair by no means detectably faintly gradually imperceptibly infrequently little no more than no way not a bit not at all not by much not likely not markedly not measurably not much not notably not noticeably not often not quite once in a blue moon only only just perceptibly pretty near scantly slightly sparsely sporadically with trouble

Antonyms

STRONGEST

frequently

WEAK

very

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the late 1990s merger between Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler and Chrysler hardly led to a turnaround for the namesake brand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

To simplify it, it is a case of round pegs and round holes, but it is hardly rocket science anyway.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Rubino is hardly alone in rethinking her Easter spending.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

“A View From the Bridge,” a play whose revenge plot hinges on a tip to immigration authorities, could hardly be more timely.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Sally Gooden was the one thing we had around our farm that I thought was hardly worth putting up with.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

hardly

Example Sentences

Related Words