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

• stubborn
• adamant
• 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

The recent moves by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley indicate that Club Mike, the resort-like atmosphere the Dolphins basked in for the previous four seasons, is truly coming to an end and this franchise is about to return to serious, hard-nosed football. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026

Health is always a question with Jenner lately, but his hard-nosed playing style and leadership would be just what the Sabres need. —Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026

Beard is a hard-nosed sort who could still be heated from getting ejected in Tuesday night’s 84-66 loss at Tennessee. —Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026

Directed by Felix van Groeningen, the film is resolutely hard-nosed but not without moments of levity and an ultimately redemptive arc for its young lead. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 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