hardball

== English == === Etymology === From hard +‎ ball. === Pronunciation === === Noun === hardball (countable and uncountable, plural hardballs) (ball games) In baseball, a type of ball and baseball game, as opposed to softball. (figurative) Tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business. ==== Derived terms ==== === Adjective === hardball (comparative more hardball, superlative most hardball) Being or exhibiting tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business. ==== Derived terms ==== play hardball ==== Translations ==== === Verb === hardball (third-person singular simple present hardballs, present participle hardballing, simple past and past participle hardballed) (informal, transitive) To exhibit tough and ruthless behavior towards another individual.