1. the black ball numbered 8 in pool, which must be pocketed last to win
Usage: billiards
2. a difficult or disadvantageous situation
Usage: informal

Examples

• She carefully aimed at the eightball to win the game.
• The eightball rolled into the corner pocket.
• You can’t hit the eightball until all your other balls are gone.
• After losing his job, he was really behind the eightball.
• The company found itself behind the eightball after the lawsuit.
• Don’t pocket the eightball too early or you’ll lose.