hard-nosed

adjective

ˈhärd-ˈnōzd 

1

: being tough, stubborn, or uncompromising

a hard-nosed boss

2

: hardheaded sense 2, tough-minded

Synonyms of hard-nosed

• adamant
• stubborn
• steadfast
• hardened

Examples of hard-nosed in a Sentence

the team's hard-nosed coach doesn't make exceptions for anybody

Recent Examples on the Web

In Denver, Najera was a hard-nosed role player during the Carmelo Anthony era, a contributor on four playoff teams from 2005-08. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026

The good fight Morgenthau’s hard-nosed reputation has long obscured the moral core of his realism. — David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026

Silverstone’s character, Cher Horowitz, is the daughter of a hard-nosed litigator, much like Kardashian’s late father, the attorney Robert Kardashian. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is running for reelection as an unpopular incumbent, fashions himself a champion for working people and has been, to put it mildly, less than a hard-nosed negotiator with unions. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hard-nosed

• decomposed
• discomposed
• indisposed
• interposed
• juxtaposed
• predisposed
• presupposed
• reimposed
• superposed
• undisclosed
• undisposed
• unenclosed