hardiness

[ hahr-dee-nis ]

noun

1. the capacity for enduring or sustaining hardship, privation, etc.; capability of surviving under unfavorable conditions.
2. courage; boldness; audacity.

hardiness

/ ˈhɑːdɪnɪs /

noun

1. the condition or quality of being hardy, robust, or bold

Word History and Origins

Origin of hardiness¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; hardy ¹, -ness

Example Sentences

Herders sometimes favor hybridization because genes from wild progenitors are thought to enhance the hardiness of domestic stock.

From Science Daily

These numbers reflect the plant’s ability to survive the average minimum winter temperatures in the hardiness zones listed.

From Seattle Times

In late 2023, the Department of Agriculture seemed to validate their experiences when it released its updated plant hardiness zone map — moving more than half of the U.S. into warmer climate zones.

From Salon

Cold hardiness is a critical part of a plant’s success, but far from the only one.

From Seattle Times

I’m a member of “Zone Pushers,” with our Facebook page devoted to these plants outside their normal hardiness zone.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• clout
• courage
• durability
• energy
• firmness
• fortitude
• health
• power
• stability
• tenacity
• toughness
• vigor
• vitality