hardball

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)In baseball, a type of ball and baseball game, as opposed to softball.
2. (countable, figuratively, uncountable)Tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business.

adj

1. Being or exhibiting tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business.

verb

1. (informal, transitive)To exhibit tough and ruthless behavior towards another individual.