Definitions

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.

Hardly anyone is going to read the full SpaceX listing prospectus — which may be lucky for the company.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

Hardly ideal conditions for the world’s biggest soccer tournament.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Hardly an economy that sounds as if it needs rate relief.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Hardly a night went by without him on TV.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2025

Hardly any traffic comes from Turkey into Syria: just the occasional truck bringing supplies or making deliveries.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell

Vocabulary lists containing hardly

"The Giving Tree"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

hardly

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing hardly

"The Giving Tree"