eight ball

noun

1

: a black pool ball numbered 8

2

: misfit

Phrases

behind the eight ball

: in a highly disadvantageous position

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Eventually, Eno sank the eight ball. —Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 2 May 2022

Many are behind the eight ball. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Nov. 2021

While Gonsolin gave up just one run, his early exit helped put the team behind the eight ball for the rest of that game, which ended in a loss, and the series, which ended with a stunning four-game defeat a night later. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2023

During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sandler explained why his characters often find themselves behind the eight ball. —Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2023

The situation has been exacerbated by high inflation and staffing shortages that have put many shelters behind the eight ball in terms of addressing overpopulation. —Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2022

But the screws already get tightened from all sides — women’s rights crusaders and women’s lib lobbyists take turns putting man back on his heels until he is pinned behind the eight ball dodging the shrapnel from the glass ceiling. —Jody Rosen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2022

Committing three turnovers in the first half that the Raiders (14-0) turned into touchdowns, the Pirates (11-3) were behind the eight ball early and couldn’t complete another comeback win against the disciplined Raiders defense. —Matt Lofgren, cleveland, 18 Nov. 2022

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Nine kids a-barfing, an eight ball of cocaine, seven stripping Susans, six kinds of chutney, five hundred miles both ways! —The Washington Post, 11 Dec. 2020

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Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1