HARD TIME Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

hard time

noun

a period of difficulties or hardship.
Slang. time actually served in a prison or other penal institution:
He had merely been fined before, but now was sentenced to 90 days' hard time in the county jail.
give a hard time, Informal. to bother, annoy, or harass:
He gave me a hard time about the money I owe him.

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of hard time¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“I have a very hard time with it,” he says.

From

After all of his worry on the entire trip and all of his criminal behavior, he will be another wealthy, middle-aged white man who somehow avoids hard time.

From

McCoy — who intends to join the Saturday protest — said she’s gotten cheers and barbs from fellow residents, and she had two words of advice for a neighbor who gave her a hard time:

From

She added: "It's such a hard time and the idea you have to split your focus is really challenging."

From

Everyone was really well-meaning, but the lockdown was a hard time for everybody, of course.

From

Related 51�Թ�s

Browse