1. unreasonably rigid in the face of argument or entreaty or attack • Syn: mulish • Similar to: stubborn, obstinate, unregenerate • Derivationally related forms: mulishness (for: mulish) 2. guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory - a hardheaded appraisal of our position - a hard-nosed labor leader - completely practical in his approach to business - not ideology but pragmatic politics • Syn: hard-nosed, practical, pragmatic • Similar to: realistic • Derivationally related forms: pragmatism (for: pragmatic), practice (for: practical), practicality (for: practical)