Tough Definition, Meaning and Synonyms
By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 27, 2023
Tough implies being strong and durable. e.g., The material was tough enough to withstand harsh weather.
Tough Definitions
feeling physical discomfort or pain (`tough' is occasionally used colloquially for `bad');
my throat feels bad
she felt bad all over
he was feeling tough after a restless night
Camila
May 03, 2023
very difficult; severely testing stamina or resolution;
a rugged competitive examination
the rugged conditions of frontier life
the competition was tough
it's a tough life
it was a tough job
Bronson
May 03, 2023
Able to withstand great strain without tearing or breaking; strong and resilient
a tough all-weather fabric.
Bronson
May 03, 2023
A person who is tough{7}; a ruffian; a thug; as, a cluster of neighborhood toughs hanging out on the corner.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Tough can mean physically strong, resilient, or durable.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
Stiff; rigid; not flexible; stubborn; as, a tough bow.
So tough a frame she could not bend.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Tough can mean resistant to change or influence, often used to describe attitudes or beliefs.
Asaiah
Jun 01, 2023
(of food) Difficult to cut or chew.
To soften a tough cut of meat, the recipe suggested simmering it for hours.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Tough can describe laws, rules, or policies that are strict and severe.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
(material science) Undergoing plastic deformation before breaking.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Tough can denote a person who is capable of dealing with hardship or pain without showing their feelings.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Not easily broken; able to endure hardship; firm; strong; - of objects and people; as, tough sinews.
A body made of brass, the crone demands, . . . Tough to the last, and with no toil to tire.
The basis of his character was caution combined with tough tenacity of purpose.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Not easily separated; viscous; clammy; tenacious; as, tough phlegm.
Bronson
May 03, 2023
Tough can describe a person who is strict, stern, or harsh.
Camila
Jun 01, 2023
Aggressive; pugnacious.
Eleanor
May 03, 2023
Tough can describe a situation that requires a lot of effort or struggle to handle.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
Difficult to deal with; demanding or troubling
It's tough to go to school and work a full-time job. The exam had many tough questions.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
(Informal) Unfortunate; too bad
It was a tough break to get sick on the day of the concert.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
(Slang) Fine; great.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
A violent or rowdy person; a hoodlum or thug.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
(of a material) Strong and resilient; sturdy.
The tent, made of tough canvas, held up to many abuses.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
(of a person or animal) Rugged or physically hardy.
Only a tough species will survive in the desert.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
(of a person) Stubborn or persistent; capable of stubbornness or persistence.
He had a reputation as a tough negotiator.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Tough can describe severe or harsh conditions, often relating to weather or environments.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
(of weather, etc.) Harsh or severe.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Rowdy or rough.
A bunch of the tough boys from the wrong side of the tracks threatened him.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
A person who obtains things by force; a thug or bully.
They were doing fine until they encountered a bunch of toughs from the opposition.
Smith
May 03, 2023
To endure.
Asaiah
May 03, 2023
Tough can refer to a person who is strong and determined, often in the face of adversity.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
To toughen.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Tough can describe negotiations or discussions that are challenging and intense.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Having the quality of flexibility without brittleness; yielding to force without breaking; capable of resisting great strain; as, the ligaments of animals are remarkably tough.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Tough can refer to an object or material that is robust and can withstand damage or wear.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
Severe; violent; as, a tough storm.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Difficult to do, perform, or accomplish; as, a tough job.
Camila
May 03, 2023
Prone to aggressive or violent behavior; rowdyish; - of people, or groups; as, a tough neighborhood; a tough character.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Tough can mean difficult to chew, often used in the context of food.
Smith
Jun 01, 2023
someone who learned to fight in the streets rather than being formally trained in the sport of boxing
Maverick
May 03, 2023
an aggressive and violent young criminal
Eleanor
May 03, 2023
Tough can indicate a difficult question or problem that requires a lot of thought to solve.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
a cruel and brutal fellow
Bronson
May 03, 2023
substantially made or constructed;
sturdy steel shelves
sturdy canvas
a tough all-weather fabric
some plastics are as tough as metal
Bronson
May 03, 2023
Tough can refer to an action that demonstrates bravery or courage.
Xavier
Jun 01, 2023
Tough describes something that is very difficult, demanding, or hard to manage.
Bronson
Jun 01, 2023
Tough can refer to an area or environment characterized by high crime or poverty levels.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
tough to cut or chew
Asaiah
May 03, 2023
Tough Idioms
Tough as nails
Extremely strong or resilient.
After surviving many hardships in life, she became as tough as nails.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
A tough act to follow
Someone or something that sets a high standard.
Her predecessor was so efficient that she knew he'd be a tough act to follow.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
Tough love
Treating someone with sternness or severity to help them in the long run.
Sometimes parents have to show tough love to teach their children life's lessons.
Camila
Sep 27, 2023
Tough it out
Endure difficult situations or conditions.
Even when the trail became difficult, he decided to tough it out.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
Tough call
A decision that is difficult to make.
Choosing between the two job offers was a tough call.
Kalel
Sep 27, 2023
Tough luck
An expression of unsympathetic recognition of someone's misfortune.
You missed the last bus? Well, tough luck.
Smith
Sep 27, 2023
In a tough spot
In a challenging or difficult situation.
After losing his job, he found himself in a tough spot.
Smith
Sep 27, 2023
Tough break
Bad luck or an unfortunate occurrence.
It was a tough break when she missed the flight.
Kalel
Sep 27, 2023
Talk tough
Speak aggressively or threateningly.
He might talk tough, but he's really a gentle soul.
Maverick
Sep 27, 2023
Tough as old boots
Extremely tough or durable.
This material is as tough as old boots and will last for years.
Darian
Sep 27, 2023
Have a tough time
To experience difficulty.
He had a tough time understanding the new regulations.
Maverick
Sep 27, 2023
Have the tough end of the stick
Be in the most unfavorable or least advantageous situation.
Workers often feel they get the tough end of the stick compared to executives.
Eleanor
Sep 27, 2023
Tough cookie
A person who is very determined and resilient.
Despite the setbacks, she proved to be a tough cookie.
Smith
Sep 27, 2023
Tough sell
Something that is hard to sell or convince others about.
Convincing the board to approve the budget was a tough sell.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
Tough at the top
It's challenging to maintain a high position or status.
Managing such a huge company is no picnic; it's tough at the top.
Eleanor
Sep 27, 2023
Play tough
To act in a forceful or aggressive manner.
In negotiations, it's sometimes necessary to play tough.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
Get going when the going gets tough
Start to work hard or effectively when conditions become challenging.
True champions get going when the going gets tough.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
Tough on the outside, soft on the inside
Appearing stern or strong, but being emotionally sensitive.
The coach might seem intimidating, but he's tough on the outside and soft on the inside.
Muazma Batool
Sep 27, 2023
Tough to swallow
Hard to believe or accept.
The news of his sudden departure was tough to swallow.
Kalel
Sep 27, 2023
Tough Meaning in a Sentence
His tough attitude towards change made it hard for him to adapt to new technologies.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
The journey was tough, but reaching the summit made it worth every step.
Bronson
Jun 01, 2023
This is a tough case, but our team is on it.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
He made the tough decision to leave his job and start his own business.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
He's a tough competitor, never backing down from a challenge.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
She's always been tough on herself, striving for perfection in everything she does.
Camila
Jun 01, 2023
My steak was so tough that I had difficulty chewing it.
Eleanor
Jun 01, 2023
That's a tough question; I might need a moment to think about it.
Kalel
Jun 01, 2023
Growing up in a tough neighborhood taught him to be resilient and street-smart.
Maverick
Jun 01, 2023
The government passed a series of tough laws to curb illegal activities.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
The budget cuts will require some tough decisions from the board of directors.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
He was known for his tough exterior, rarely showing emotion even in the hardest times.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
These were tough negotiations, with both sides unwilling to compromise on their terms.
Camila
Jun 01, 2023
This type of vine is incredibly tough, surviving in even the harshest climates.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
The training regime was tough, preparing athletes for the highest level of competition.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
The boots were made of tough leather, designed to withstand all weather conditions.
Kalel
Jun 01, 2023
Life in the army made him tough and disciplined, ready for any struggle.
Asaiah
Jun 01, 2023
She was a tough teacher, but her students appreciated her dedication to their education.
Asaiah
Jun 01, 2023
Facing adversity, she proved to be tough, overcoming every challenge that came her way.
Smith
Jun 01, 2023
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is a tough situation that takes time to heal.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
The table was made of a tough material that could resist scratches and dents.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
The tough winter conditions made travel difficult, but they were prepared.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
He was known to be tough but fair, earning him respect among his peers.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Navigating through the tough terrain required careful planning and precision.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
The tough market conditions have made it difficult for new businesses to thrive.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
He faced a tough crowd at the comedy club last night.
Eleanor
Jun 01, 2023
The economic recession was a tough time for many businesses.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
After a tough day at work, he likes to unwind with a good book.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Tackling this tough issue requires patience, empathy, and understanding.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
She had a tough exterior but a kind heart within.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
The puzzle was tough; it took us hours to figure it out.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Their tough stance on environmental issues has garnered both praise and criticism.
Eleanor
Jun 01, 2023
The director is known for her tough negotiations in the film industry.
Maverick
Jun 01, 2023
In the tough world of politics, she managed to make a name for herself.
Asaiah
Jun 01, 2023
The tough reality of life is that not all dreams come true.
Bronson
Jun 01, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tough minded person?
A tough-minded person is someone realistic, practical, and determined. They often make decisions based on facts and logic rather than emotions and are not easily swayed by sentiment or personal feelings.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What is the plural of tough?
As an adjective, "tough" does not have a plural form. It can be used to describe both singular and plural nouns.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What is the verb of tough?
There is no verb form of "tough." The word "toughen" can be used to describe the process of becoming tougher, but "tough" itself is not a verb.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
What does tough guy mean?
A "tough guy" is a person, typically a man, who is known for being strong, fearless, and often aggressive. This term often refers to someone who cannot easily show emotions and handle difficult situations.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Is tough an adjective?
Yes, "tough" is an adjective. It describes something or someone as being strong, durable, or difficult to handle or overcome.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Who is a tough girl?
A "tough girl" is a woman who shows strength, resilience, and determination. This term can refer to a woman who can handle difficult situations, often standing up for herself and not easily showing vulnerability.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What are the antonyms of tough?
Antonyms of "tough" include easy, soft, weak, delicate, fragile, and yielding.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What is the opposite of hard or tough?
The opposite of "hard" or "tough" can be "soft," "gentle," or "easy," depending on the context.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
What does it mean to be tough?
Being tough means demonstrating strength and resilience, even in challenging situations. It entails being able to handle hardship, whether it's physical, emotional, or mental, and often implies courage and determination.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
When can I use tough?
You can use "tough" when describing something challenging or difficult, whether it's a task, a situation, or even a person who is resilient and strong. For example, "This is a tough problem to solve" or "She is a tough woman who overcame many obstacles."
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
What's the meaning of tough life?
A "tough life" is a life filled with hardships and struggles. It indicates a life that has been difficult or challenging due to various circumstances, such as financial problems, personal loss, or other adversities.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What is a tough attitude?
A tough attitude refers to a mindset of resilience and determination. It implies an individual's readiness to face difficulties, not back down from challenges, and exhibit strength in adversity.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What is tough feeling?
A "tough feeling" typically refers to an emotion or emotional state that is difficult to handle or endure, such as intense grief, sorrow, or stress.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Is tough a synonym of difficult?
Yes, "tough" can be used as a synonym for "difficult." It can describe situations, tasks, or problems that are hard to overcome, solve, or deal with.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
How is a tough person?
A tough person is someone who possesses strength, resilience, and determination. They can endure difficulties and hardships without giving up and often show a strong, unyielding spirit.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
Does tough mean rough?
While "tough" and "rough" can sometimes be used interchangeably, they have distinct connotations. "Tough" typically refers to being strong or resilient, while "rough" often describes something coarse, uneven, or rugged.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What is tough in slang?
In slang, "tough" can mean cool or impressive. For example, when someone does something remarkable or outstanding, a response might be, "That's tough!"
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Is tough a noun or verb?
"Tough" is an adjective. It describes the quality of being strong, resilient, or able to withstand harsh conditions or treatment. It is not typically used as a noun or verb.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Is Tough a real word?
Yes, "tough" is a real word in the English language. It's an adjective that describes something or someone as strong, durable, or difficult to manage or deal with.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Does tough mean strong?
Yes, "tough" can mean strong. It often refers to physical strength but can also describe mental or emotional strength, resilience, and the ability to endure hardships.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Is it Tough or tuff?
"Tough" and "tuff" are both real words, but they have different meanings. "Tough" refers to strength and resilience, while "tuff" is a geological term referring to a type of rock.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Which noun is tough?
When "tough" is used to modify a noun, it indicates that the noun is difficult, durable, or resilient. For example, in "tough decision," "decision" is the noun.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What is a synonym for tough talk?
Synonyms for "tough talk" include hard talk, strong words, stern warnings, or harsh language.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What is the meaning of tough food?
"Tough food" refers to food that is difficult to chew or cut, usually because it is overcooked, undercooked, or naturally fibrous and rigid.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What is a tough problem?
A tough problem is a problem that is difficult or challenging to solve. It requires significant effort, skills, or resources to address effectively.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What does tough ask mean?
A "tough ask" refers to a request or demand that is challenging or difficult to fulfill. It typically involves a high level of effort or sacrifice.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Is the word tough formal?
The word "tough" is neutral in terms of formality. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What is the singular of tough?
The word "tough" does not have a singular or plural form because it is an adjective, not a noun. It can describe both singular and plural nouns.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
What can I say instead of tough?
Instead of "tough," you could say difficult, hard, challenging, demanding, rigorous, or resilient, depending on the context.
Muneeza Rehman
Jun 01, 2023
What type of a word is tough?
"Tough" is an adjective. It's used to describe something or someone as being strong, resilient, or difficult.
Muazma Batool
Jun 01, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs a copywriter, Muazma weaves words into a tapestry of compelling stories that capture hearts and minds. With a keen eye for detail and a mastery of language, she crafts messages that move people to action and create lasting impact.
Co-written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Definitions Wiki, Muneeza's commitment to clarity and precision extends beyond the realm of definitions. She believes that a thorough understanding of words empowers individuals to communicate effectively and appreciate the beauty of language in all its forms.
