hardheaded

adjective

hard·​head·​ed ˈhärd-ˈhe-dəd How to pronounce hardheaded (audio)
1
2
: concerned with or involving practical considerations : sober, realistic
some hardheaded advice
a hardheaded observer of winds and tides
hardheadedly adverb
hardheadedness noun

Examples of hardheaded in a Sentence

He was always hardheaded about getting his way. We need to take a more hardheaded approach to these problems. She gave him some hardheaded advice.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When Buck resigned, the conservative cited a flank of the Republican Party’s hardheaded politics and unwavering devotion to Trump — traits that made Boebert a name brand. Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024 There’s a poignancy in this confession, but also a hardheaded aspect. Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 2 June 2024 Over his lifetime, Aron was a hardheaded defender of liberal values in the face of fascist and totalitarian ideological challengers. Raymond Aron, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Meryl is a hardheaded Candide, a sharp-eyed Don Quixote. Jesse Green, New York Times, 15 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for hardheaded 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardheaded was circa 1532

Dictionary Entries Near hardheaded

Cite this Entry

“Hardheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardheaded. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hardheaded

adjective
hard·​head·​ed ˈhärd-ˈhed-əd How to pronounce hardheaded (audio)
1
2
: marked by sound judgment
a hardheaded judgment
hardheadedly adverb
hardheadedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hardheaded

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!