hardbitten
Toughened by experience
Hardbitten describes someone toughened by difficult experiences, typically to the point of cynicism or emotional detachment.
A hardbitten detective has seen too much to be shocked.
A hardbitten journalist remains skeptical of official stories.
The word suggests survival has come at the cost of tenderness or idealism.
Streaked with gray
- scarredMarked by healed wounds
- battle-scarredDamaged by fighting
- leatheryResembling animal hide
- craggyRough with rocky projections
rugged · lined · time-worn · veteran · seasoned · worn · haggard · careworn
Able to recover quickly
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- indomitableCannot be overcome
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
durable · unflappable · survivor · iron-willed · unflinching · undaunted · gritty · steely
Dulled by overindulgence
- world-wearyFatigued by existence
- disillusionedFreed from false beliefs
- disenchantedLost one's illusions
- skepticalInclined to question claims
distrustful · bitter · sardonic · pessimistic · suspicious · doubting · acerbic · scornful
grizzled
Streaked with gray
- scarredMarked by healed wounds
- battle-scarredDamaged by fighting
- leatheryResembling animal hide
craggy · rugged · lined · time-worn · veteran · seasoned · worn · haggard · careworn · roughened
resilient
Able to recover quickly
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- indomitableCannot be overcome
steadfast · durable · unflappable · survivor · iron-willed · unflinching · undaunted · gritty · steely · stoic
jaded
Dulled by overindulgence
- world-wearyFatigued by existence
- disillusionedFreed from false beliefs
- disenchantedLost one's illusions
skeptical · distrustful · bitter · sardonic · pessimistic · suspicious · doubting · acerbic · scornful · contemptuous
hardbittentender
Soft or sore
tenderhearted · softhearted · soft-hearted · soft · sensitive
hard, harder, hardest, harden, hardened, hardening, hardener, hardness, hardly