hard-hitting

adjective

hard-hit·​ting ˈhärd-ˈhi-tiŋ 

: strikingly effective in force or result

a hard-hitting exposé

plain hard-hitting English

Examples of hard-hitting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shady Srour is a Palestinian-Israeli auteur making his way in a difficult climate to produce hard-hitting work. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 July 2026

Along with his leadership, Gudas is a physical, hard-hitting presence, much like the rest of the Panthers’ roster. — Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026

Thornton, a hard-hitting defensive back from Broward County, transferred to the University of Miami this offseason after spending his first two seasons of college football at Boston College. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026

Defensively, Jacksonville State transfer lineman Emmanuel Oyebadejo is hard to miss at 6-foot-6, 303 pounds, while hard-hitting Baylor transfer defensive back DJ Coleman will factor on the back end or in the slot. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hard-hitting

• acquitting
• admitting
• befitting
• committing
• emitting
• omitting
• outfitting
• outwitting
• permitting
• refitting
• remitting
• submitting