hard-hitting

[hahrd-hit-ing]

adjective

1. striking or capable of striking with force.

2. strikingly or effectively forceful.

   a hard-hitting exposé.

hard-hitting

adjective

1. uncompromising; tough

   a hard-hitting report on urban deprivation

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard-hitting¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Clad in black and white, he sported shorts emblazoned with the phrase “knock, knock,” a nod to the group’s hard-hitting debut single “Trespass.”

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Every Australian rugby fan knows they need their prizefighter back rower at his hard-hitting best to have a chance of taking this contest to a final round.

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If Farrell had him in mind for a bench spot on Saturday wouldn't he have spared him a full game of attrition against such a hard-hitting opponent?

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Emmet Sheehan and Ben Casparius struggle to hold back the hard-hitting Milwaukee Brewers, who defeat the Dodgers for the fifth time this season.

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Amon, Verde and DJ JG were playing a gig in Sacramento, where they shot a video clip for their hard-hitting Spanglish-language tune “Third World Problems” in front of the state Capitol.

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Related Words

• compelling 
• pithy