The term IT MAY BE HARD TO BREAK can be broken down into two crossword solutions: HABIT (5 letters) and BADHABIT (8 letters). A HABIT is an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary. Habits can be both good and bad, and can range from brushing your teeth to smoking cigarettes. Bad habits are those that are detrimental to one's health or well-being, such as procrastination or overeating. Breaking a HABIT can be difficult, as it requires a conscious effort to replace the old behavior with a new one.