Selection, ratings & decisions · Working

Hard pass

Also called: definitive pass

ELI5

A clear decision not to proceed, with little or no invitation to revisit.

Used in conversation

“The buyer gave it a hard pass, so we should not expect another round.”

Pitch context

You may encounter “Hard pass” in pitching & meetings conversations or materials.

Why it matters: Helps you understand how projects are presented, submitted, discussed and followed up.

Sources & evidence · 5

Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.