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.

Martha can hardly believe the change in her daughter and in their lives.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Mazur and other small-business owners say the additional costs could hardly come at a worse time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Rubino is hardly alone in rethinking her Easter spending.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Taylor is hardly a newcomer, but even so, how did you discover her for this show?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

I asked her so softly I could hardly hear myself.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan