Definition of "hardball"

hardball

noun
countable and uncountable, plural hardballs
1. (ball games) In baseball, a type of ball and baseball game, as opposed to softball.
2. Tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business.
adjective
comparative more hardball, superlative most hardball
1. Being or exhibiting tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business.
verb
third-person singular simple present hardballs, present participle hardballing, simple past and past participle hardballed
1. (transitive) To exhibit tough and ruthless behavior towards.