hardball

American  

[hahrd-bawl] / ˈhɑrdˌbɔl /

noun

1. baseball, as distinguished from softball.

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adjective

1. tough or ruthless.

   He wasn't ready for the hardball politics of Washington.

2. outspoken, challenging, or difficult.

   Reporters asked the president some hardball questions.

idioms

1. play hardball, to act or work aggressively, competitively, or ruthlessly, as in business or politics.

hardball British  

/ ˈhɑːdbɔːl /

noun

1. baseball as distinct from softball

2. informal to act in a ruthless or uncompromising way

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Etymology

Origin of hardball

First recorded in 1825–35; hard + ball ¹

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Explanation

If you want to play hardball, you’re not messing around. You’re a shrewd negotiator and you’ll do anything to get what you want. Or maybe you just want to play baseball, which is also known as hardball. You can use the slightly old-fashioned hardball for this all-American sport, particularly to distinguish it from softball, which is played with similar rules but a larger, slightly softer ball. You can also use the word informally to mean "ruthless methods." So if a businessperson, politician, or journalist plays hardball, they’re being super competitive and try to win at all costs.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hardball

But it’s a new day at Kroger, one where it uses hardball moves reminiscent of its giant rival Walmart WMT -1.78%decrease; down pointing triangle .

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026

So when it came time to negotiate a new contract with Hamilton in 2023, Wolff played hardball.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

I doubt he expected states like Virginia to play hardball.

From Slate ● Apr. 24, 2026

Six years after the settlement, Dundon and his associates are playing hardball in negotiations with state and city leaders to secure public money to revamp Portland’s Moda Center.

From Salon ● Mar. 30, 2026

“Fine! Play hardball, Jonesy. I like that about you.”

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

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