hard-hitting

American  

[hahrd-hit-ing] / ˈhɑrdˈhɪt ɪŋ /

adjective

1. striking or capable of striking with force.

2. strikingly or effectively forceful.

   a hard-hitting exposé.

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hard-hitting British  

adjective

1. uncompromising; tough

   a hard-hitting report on urban deprivation

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Etymology

Origin of hard-hitting

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

His witty, thoughtful verses broadened the scope of hip-hop with stories about treating your mother with respect and catching your girlfriend cheating with the postman, alongside hard-hitting lyrics about social deprivation and immigration.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

The Detroit Pistons transformed from one of the NBA’s worst teams to the Eastern Conference leader by adopting a hard-hitting, trash-talking style.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

Even if there was, Moody - nicknamed 'Mad Dog' in the Tigers dressing room - has no regrets about the hard-hitting way he played our wonderful game.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

“Elle Duncan’s proven ability to seamlessly move between hard-hitting sports analysis and warm, personality-driven cultural hosting makes her a perfect fit at Netflix,” Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Sports, Netflix said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

Before the war he had been an alert, hard-hitting, aggressive marketing executive.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Related Words

• compelling
• pithy