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

Of course, Babcock was arguably Hyman’s biggest advocate in Toronto, rewarding his relentless, hard-nosed play with a prominent role. — Janson Duench, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Jake Tweten, Westlake, safety, senior A hard-nosed football player all the way around. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Golden State has used hard-nosed defense to build its foundation but was too physical against Phoenix as the Mercury attempted 43 free throws, making 32. — Darren Sabedra, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

But if a contender needs a hard-nosed, do-it-all weapon for a playoff push, don't be surprised if his phone rings. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 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