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

John Wayne and Gary Cooper, like Ken-san, often played anachronistic loners from a disappearing Arcadia that was being destroyed by hard-nosed modernizers—greedy bankers, railway owners, big-city politicians. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

But Ditka's hard-nosed, no-nonsense demeanor only further endeared him to Chicago fans. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

In addition to his hard-nosed approach, Zahnd developed a reputation as a prosecutor with a keen sense of moral clarity. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026

Setting the pace is key against the Valkyries, a team known for its hard-nosed defensive mentality. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 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