the hard way
noun
: in a way that involves difficult or painful experiences
He found out the hard way that crime doesn't pay.
She insisted on doing things the hard way.
Examples of the hard way in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Simone Biles is learning the hard way that going glam for a red carpet comes at a price.
—
Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Fox News Host Jesse Waters found out the hard way after a very awkward interaction with Queen Camilla during the state banquet held in honor of the King and Queen during their visit to the United States.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026
My sister learned the hard way that even high-achieving students struggle to stand out.
—Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
The ones that do not will find out the hard way.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the hard way
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Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Fox News Host Jesse Waters found out the hard way after a very awkward interaction with Queen Camilla during the state banquet held in honor of the King and Queen during their visit to the United States.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026
My sister learned the hard way that even high-achieving students struggle to stand out.
—Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
The ones that do not will find out the hard way.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the hard way
Cite this Entry
“The hard way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20hard%20way. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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