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.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

There is hardly anything that is more sensitive and protected.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

When morning came, Danny could hardly open his eyes.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova