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.”

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noun

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 notes

In plain EnglishRuthless or aggressive tactics, especially in business, politics, or negotiation.

Common pairings

play hardball

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more hardball comparative, hardballed past tense, hardballs plural, hardballs singular, most hardball superlative

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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.