hardheaded

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hardheaded' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe someone who is stubborn, inflexible and unwilling to change their mind. Example Sentence: Despite the best efforts of his friends, the hardheaded man refused to change his opinion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each manifesto is dressed up as its opposite – hardheaded Labour versus caring Conservatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

And so when I'm talking to the prime minister, or my team is talking to the Israeli government, what I want is a hardheaded, clear-eyed assessment of how do we achieve our goals.

The Economist

This is perfectly normal, hardheaded politics, directed towards a public-minded goal.

The Economist

Bill Kristol, the neoconservative editor of the Weekly Standard, praised his "hardheaded and pro-American tone".

The Economist

Even the most hardheaded visitors have been known to succumb to his highly professional persuasive talents.Transdniestria's president, Igor Smirnov, should be described as "head of statelet", not head of state: his breakaway region is not recognised by the outside world.

The Economist

With half of all marriages doomed to fail, even the moderately hardheaded may be interested in ways of mitigating the danger.So hopes ARAG, a German-based insurance firm.

The Economist

The EU's structure which pretends that all member states, of whatever size, are equally important does not fit well with the hardheaded business of relations with big, powerful neighbours.

The Economist

And they made very practical and hardheaded decisions.

The Economist

As for the idea that behind his showmanship there is little substance, he points to the various hardheaded types who have been through his books and gone on to become his partners.

The Economist

This is not, argues Arang Keshavarzian of New York University, who has studied relations between bazaar and state, because they are democrats or liberals but because they are hardheaded pragmatists who crave integration into international trade networks.Strikes in the bazaar have been rare.

The Economist

There was one hero, however, who could be regarded as specially Athenian, and that was Theseus, to whom the original political synoecism of Attica was attributed even by a hardheaded writer like Thucydides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "hardheaded", ensure the context clarifies whether you mean stubborn or pragmatic. This avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hardheaded" in situations requiring empathy or sensitivity. It can come across as dismissive or uncaring, especially when describing personal struggles.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "hardheaded" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying nouns (usually people) to indicate a particular characteristic. It describes someone who is either stubbornly set in their ways or very practical and realistic in their thinking. Ludwig AI indicates that the word is acceptable and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "hardheaded" is a common and versatile term used to describe individuals who are either stubbornly inflexible or exceptionally pragmatic. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, this word suggests a neutral register and can be utilized across various contexts to convey judgment about someone's character. Related terms include ""stubborn"" and ""pragmatic"", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using "hardheaded", consider the potential ambiguity between stubbornness and practicality to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stubborn

Focuses primarily on the inflexibility and resistance to change.

obstinate

Similar to stubborn, but often implies a more willful and defiant resistance.

pragmatic

Emphasizes a practical, realistic approach rather than emotional or idealistic considerations.

realistic

Highlights a focus on facts and the avoidance of wishful thinking.

practical-minded

Focuses on the ability to deal with problems and situations in a sensible and effective way.

tough-minded

Implies a strong and determined approach, often in the face of difficulty.

clear-eyed

Suggests an ability to see things as they really are, without being deceived or influenced by emotions.

unsentimental

Highlights a lack of emotional attachment or consideration.

mulish

Conveys a particularly stubborn and unreasonable refusal to change.

inflexible

Stresses an unwillingness to adapt or compromise.

FAQs

How can I use "hardheaded" in a sentence?

"Hardheaded" can describe someone who is stubborn, like "The "hardheaded negotiator" refused to compromise", or someone who is practical, like "She took a "hardheaded approach" to the problem".

What does it mean to be "hardheaded"?

Being "hardheaded" can mean being stubbornly set in one's ways or having a practical and realistic approach to situations. The context usually determines the intended meaning.

Which is correct, "hardheaded" or "hard headed"?

"Hardheaded" is the correct spelling as one word. "Hard headed" is generally not used.

What are some synonyms for "hardheaded"?

Synonyms for "hardheaded" include "stubborn", "obstinate", "pragmatic", and "realistic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.