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hardball definition

☆ hard·ball (härd′bôl′)

noun

    1. a kind of baseball characterized by hard-thrown overhand pitching
    2. the ball typically used in this game; baseball (sense )
  2. any ruthless, aggressive, highly competitive form of politics, business, etc.: esp. in the phrase play hardball, to engage in some activity in a ruthless, highly competitive way

adjective

of or characterized by ruthlessness, competitiveness, coercion, etc. hardball business practices

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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