the hard way

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.

Misiorowski learned that lesson the hard way as a rookie last season, when poor command led to a stretch where he posted a 5.48 ERA over 11 starts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The U.S. is learning this the hard way.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Many of them do not cover losses linked to a war as Debbie and Ardon Rainbird from Northallerton in North Yorkshire found out the hard way.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

We should banish it, because I’ve learned the hard way that it’s too abstract.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

The world had learned the hard way that ruthless justice was the only way to ensure that the past remained untampered with.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin