eightball

American  

[eyt-bawl] / ˈeɪtˌbɔl /

noun

1. Pool.

   1. a black ball marked with the number eight.

   2. a game in which one player or side must pocket all of either the solid-color balls or the striped ones before being permitted to attempt the pocketing of the eightball, which wins.

2. Slang. an inept person.

---

idioms

1. behind the eightball, in a difficult, disadvantageous, or uncomfortable situation.

   He hasn't studied all term, and now he's behind the eightball.

Etymology

Origin of eightball

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35; eight + ball ¹

Example Sentences

"World Eightball Pool Federation and Ultimate Pool Group remain committed to the development of the sport for all participants and gender inclusivity is an important part of this."

From BBC

When the first issue of Daniel Clowes’ comic book “Eightball” was published in October 1989, Fantagraphics Books printed 3,000 copies, and Clowes was sure it would take about five years to sell them all.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’re behind the eightball,” Barger said.

From Los Angeles Times

Behind Aster was a framed Hermès scarf featuring a mysterious masked woman, designed by Daniel Clowes, the “Eightball” cartoonist whom the director considers a close friend and who offered encouragement on “Beau.”

From New York Times

Ever since the days of “Eightball,” his widely praised comic series published across 15 years till ending in 2004, each new Clowes release has been eagerly anticipated.

From Washington Post