Word
hardline
Phoneticshard·line, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹdˌɫaɪn/
UK/hˈɑːdlaɪn/
Definition
adj. describing a person or group that has very strong, strict, and often difficult-to-change opinions. In business, it usually refers to a person who is very strict about following rules or making tough decisions.
adj. characterised by a firm, uncompromising, or inflexible stance. In a business or political context, it describes a person who adheres strictly to traditional or conservative principles.
Examples
“The hardline manager refused to give the employees any extra time off.”
“The company's hardline approach to security meant that no employee could leave the building without a valid ID.”
“The administration's hardline stance on trade tariffs led to a significant increase in domestic production costs, despite the initial promise of long-term economic stability.”
Examples
simple
“The hardline manager refused to give the employees any extra time off.”
contextual
“The company's hardline approach to security meant that no employee could leave the building without a valid ID.”
complex
“The administration's hardline stance on trade tariffs led to a significant increase in domestic production costs, despite the initial promise of long-term economic stability.”
Real-World Examples
“In recent weeks she has pivoted back to hardline rhetoric, most notably in her reaction to the influx of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish north African enclave of Ceuta.” “It has pledged to take hardline, and sometimes lethal, action in the region against those it considers to be “narco-terrorists”, a word it frequently applies to suspected drug-traffickers.” Domain
- 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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