hard-bitten
Weathered by experience
Hard-bitten describes someone toughened by difficult experience, cynical and unsentimental.
A hard-bitten detective has seen too much to be shocked.
Hard-bitten journalists remain skeptical of official stories.
The term suggests resilience earned through hardship rather than mere stubbornness—someone who has been bitten by life and didn't flinch.
Dulled by overindulgence
- world-wearyFatigued by existence
- disillusionedFreed from false beliefs
- disenchantedLost one's illusions
- skepticalInclined to question claims
distrustful · pessimistic · hardened · unsentimental · sardonic · wry · bitter · cynical
Damaged by fighting
- seasonedFlavored or battle-tested
- veteranExperienced former soldier
- hardenedMade tough or unfeeling
- toughenedMade more durable
tempered · steeled · inured · calloused · thick-skinned · unbreakable · unflinching · undaunted
jaded
Dulled by overindulgence
- world-wearyFatigued by existence
- disillusionedFreed from false beliefs
- disenchantedLost one's illusions
skeptical · distrustful · pessimistic · hardened · unsentimental · sardonic · wry · bitter · cynical · grizzled
battle-scarred
Damaged by fighting
toughened · tempered · steeled · inured · calloused · thick-skinned · unbreakable · unflinching · undaunted · tested
leathery
Resembling animal hide
craggy · worn · grizzled · careworn · haggard · gaunt · time-worn
hard-bittensoft
Yielding to touch
tender · delicate · vulnerable · sensitive · fragile
hard-bittennaive
Innocently unsuspecting
innocent · green · inexperienced · unworldly · wide-eyed
hard-bittentender-hearted
Easily moved to sympathy
sentimental · softhearted · soft-hearted · warm-hearted · compassionate