The search for novel nitride superconductors with superior mechanical properties is highly demanded for many potential applications, which, however, have been scarcely succeeded for the late $5d$ transition-metal nitrides, especially for the binary W-N compounds. Here we report the experimental identification of superconductivity in cubic $\mathit{cP}6\text{-WN}$ with the NbO-type structure by electrical transport, magnetization, and specific heat measurements, based on high-pressure synthesized samples. The superconducting properties of $\mathit{cP}6\text{-WN}$ are well determined and it belongs to a bulk type-II superconductor with a critical onset temperature of $T_{\mathrm{c}}=2.86\mathrm{K}$, showing weak electron-phonon coupling, short coherence length, and high upper critical field, likely due to its unique electronic and structural features. Pressure may slightly enhance electron-phonon interactions for gently promoting its $T_{\mathrm{c}}$ up to 3.83 K at 81 GPa, indicating the remarkable robustness of its superconductivity to external stress. This, combined with its exceptional mechanical hardness that rivals that of tungsten carbide (WC), makes it a compelling candidate for fabrication of durable superconducting electronics and coatings operating under high-stress conditions.

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• Superconductors
• Type-II superconductors