Phrase guide

hard put

adj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

adj

Meaning 1

In a situation that is difficult to resolve.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I know what that word means, but would be hard put to define it.
  • hard put to it: in great perplexity or difficulty; at a loss.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adjective satellite

Meaning 2

facing or experiencing financial trouble or difficulty

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • distressed companies need loans and technical advice
  • financially hard-pressed Mexican hotels are lowering their prices
  • we were hard put to meet the mortgage payment
  • found themselves in a bad way financially

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: distressed, hard-pressed, in a bad way(p)

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.