hard-headed

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Having already slashed tariffs on whisky exports to India, we’re now doing the same with China—proof that our pragmatic, hard-headed international engagement brings benefits at home,” Starmer said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Andrew Cuomo—the hard-headed former governor of New York state —became something of a national hero in 2020 with his no-nonsense press conferences.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2025

Markus Berger of Switzerland Tourism says the strategy is not to focus solely on high-end guests, but to take a hard-headed look at the figures.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2025

“Surprisingly,” said Halpern, “I found in my interviews that some very hard-headed astrophysicists who are very knowledgeable see the idea of a multiverse as enticing.”

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2024

He really knew they were air castles, for at bottom he was hard-headed, not easily taken in even by his own exuberant imagination.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes