hard-won
Achieved through struggle
Hard-won describes something achieved only through great effort, struggle, or sacrifice.
The term emphasizes that success didn't come easily: hard-won independence, hard-won rights, hard-won respect.
A hard-won victory suggests obstacles overcome, setbacks endured, or a long fight finally concluded.
Defeating an opponent
- triumphResounding, celebrated victory
- milestoneNotable event marking progress
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- accomplishmentSuccessful completion of aim
conquest · feat · attainment · success · culmination · capstone · crowning · pinnacle
Firmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
fortitude · patience · discipline · dedication · willpower · persistence · resolve · steadfastness
Armed military engagement
- adversitySevere difficulty or suffering
- toilStrenuous, prolonged effort
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- grindCrush into particles
slog · ordeal · sacrifice · setback · obstacle · trial · tribulation · uphill
Rightfully earned or warranted
- deservedRightfully earned or warranted
- gainedCame to possess
- securedMade fast or obtained
- claimedStated as fact
fought for · legitimately · rightfully · duly
Highly esteemed, greatly valued
- treasuredRegarded with deep affection
- cherishedHeld dear, prized
- prizedGreatly valued or esteemed
- appreciatedRecognized worth of
meaningful · significant · dear · invaluable · sacred · rare · irreplaceable
victory
Defeating an opponent
- triumphResounding, celebrated victory
- milestoneNotable event marking progress
- breakthroughSudden important advance
accomplishment · conquest · feat · attainment · success · culmination · capstone · crowning · pinnacle · realization
determination
Firmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
resilience · fortitude · patience · discipline · dedication · willpower · persistence · resolve · steadfastness · commitment
battle
Armed military engagement
- adversitySevere difficulty or suffering
- toilStrenuous, prolonged effort
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
grind · slog · ordeal · sacrifice · setback · obstacle · trial · tribulation · uphill · blood sweat tears
merited
Rightfully earned or warranted
claimed · fought for · legitimately · rightfully · duly
precious
Highly esteemed, greatly valued
appreciated · meaningful · significant · dear · invaluable · sacred · rare · irreplaceable
hard-woneasy
Requiring minimal effort
effortless · stress-free · painless · simple · undemanding
hard, hardly, won, harden, hardship, hardware, hardness, hardened, harder