noun
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.”
noun
1
Baseball, as distinguished from softball — or, more commonly, tough, uncompromising tactics.
"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.
Common pairings
play hardball
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Word forms
- Plural
- hardballs
- Third person singular
- hardballs
- Past tense
- hardballed
- Comparative
- more hardball
- Superlative
- most hardball
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.
Antonyms
Related words
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.
