English · Word Candidate

hardcore

/hɑː(ɹ)dˈkɔː(ɹ)/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Having an extreme dedication to a certain activity.

Adjective

He's a hardcore gamer.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

So hard as to require extreme dedication to complete.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Broken bricks, stone and/or other aggregate used as foundations, especially in road and path laying.

Noun

You need to excavate and remove the topsoil, line the subsoil with a geotextile, then lay and compact hardcore.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Several music genres, including: — Hardcore punk.

Noun

Fields began recording the hardcore punk bands in 1978 when few others would.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “hardcore” mean?

Having an extreme dedication to a certain activity.

Is “hardcore” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.