hardball
Hardball (noun) means Baseball, as distinguished from softball — or, more commonly, tough, uncompromising tactics. Example: “The negotiators decided to play hardball over the contract terms.”
How to use hardball
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRuthless or aggressive tactics, especially in business, politics, or negotiation.
Word forms
more hardball comparative, hardballed past tense, hardballs plural, hardballs singular, most hardball superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The negotiators decided to play _____ over the contract terms.
Etymology
From hard plus ball, originally distinguishing regular baseball from the softer-ball game of softball.
Frequently asked questions
What does “hardball” mean?
The word “hardball” means baseball, as distinguished from softball — or, more commonly, tough, uncompromising tactics. In plain terms, ruthless or aggressive tactics, especially in business, politics, or negotiation.
How do you use “hardball” in a sentence?
Here is “hardball” used in a sentence: “The negotiators decided to play hardball over the contract terms.”
What part of speech is “hardball”?
“Hardball” is a noun.
What is the meaning of hardball?
"hardball" (noun) means baseball, as distinguished from softball — or, more commonly, tough, uncompromising tactics.