Hard times is a term used to describe difficult periods of economic hardship, often characterized by high unemployment, poverty, and other social issues. The crossword solutions for this term include 'DECLINE' (7 letters), which refers to a decrease in economic activity; 'ADVERSITY' (9 letters), which means a state of difficulty or MISFORTUNE; 'MISFORTUNE' (10 letters), which is an unfortunate event or situation; 'tests' (5 letters), which are challenges that must be overcome; 'fallon' (6 letters), which is a DECLINE in economic activity; 'rigors' (6 letters), which are harsh conditions or demands; 'ORDEALS' (7 letters), which are difficult experiences; and 'RECESSIONS' (10 letters), which are periods of economic DECLINE.