hardball

Word parts

hard + ball

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /hɑːdˈbɔːl/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /hɑrdˈbɔl/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular hardball

Plural hardballs

1. A hardball is a tough or ruthless behavior.

Adjective

Positive hardball

Comparative more hardball

Superlative most hardball

1. If a person has a hardball behavior, they exhibit tough or ruthless behavior.

Verb

Plain form hardball

Third-person singular hardballs

Past tense hardballed

Past participle hardballed

Present participle hardballing

1. (transitive) (informal) If a person hardballs, they exhibit tough and ruthless behavior towards others.