User blog comment:Leyrann/Hard counters./@comment-5324023-20120729202402

In my mind, 'hard counters' are champions that can build to counter their lane, without impacting their overall game performance significantly.

Malphite isn't a hard counter to Vladamir, because building to win the lane detracts from his ability to perform on the same level come team fight time. However, he is a counter to Fiora, because if he abuses his early advantage, by the time Fiora builds enough items to survive in lane, she's already so far behind as to be insignificant come teamfight time.

This is my opinion. Take it with a grain of salt.