Word
hardball
Phoneticshard·ball, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹdˌbɔɫ/
UK/hˈɑːdbɔːl/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a way of doing something that is very direct, tough, and not friendly. It is often used when talking about business or politics where people are not being nice.
n. a style of behavior or negotiation characterized by a lack of compromise and a focus on winning at all costs. Often used in the phrase 'to play hardball' to describe aggressive tactics in business or politics.
Examples
“The union decided to play hardball and stop working.”
“After months of polite negotiations, the company finally started playing hardball by threatening to move the factory.”
“While the initial talks were friendly, the moment the budget was mentioned, the committee members began playing hardball, refusing to budge on their core demands.”
Examples
simple
“The union decided to play hardball and stop working.”
contextual
“After months of polite negotiations, the company finally started playing hardball by threatening to move the factory.”
complex
“While the initial talks were friendly, the moment the budget was mentioned, the committee members began playing hardball, refusing to budge on their core demands.”
Real-World Examples
“But asked if One Nation would continue playing hardball and beating up the Liberals, or if cooperation might emerge, she said it was “up to Angus Taylor”.” “Maybe he’s been waiting for this hardball question about the charges.” “As next Tuesday's transfer deadline nears, Villa will play hardball for their all-time record Premier League goalscorer.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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