WordGarden.iotough
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈʌf/
US
- /ˈtəf/
Meanings
Adjective
difficult to do, solve, or deal with
hard and durable; not easily cut, torn, or damaged
hard to cut or chew, especially of meat or other food
More meaningsFewer meanings
strong, resilient, and not easily intimidated, hurt, or upset
strict, harsh, or uncompromising in attitude, policy, or treatment
Noun
a rough, strong person, often one willing to fight or intimidate others
Beyond the definition
"Tough" can mean strong in a physical way, like a steak that is hard to chew or a material that does not tear easily. It also often describes something difficult, like a tough exam or a tough choice. Beyond that, it can describe a person who stays strong during pain, pressure, or trouble. A tough person does not give up easily when life gets hard. You might say someone had a "tough childhood," meaning it was full of hardship, or that you are having a "tough time" with a stressful situation.
The word "tough" is very versatile. At its core, it suggests strength, resistance, or difficulty, but that idea appears in several different ways. First, it can describe physical durability. Think of leather, fabric, or rope that can take a lot of wear without breaking. It can also describe food, especially meat, that is hard to bite or chew.
It also very often describes things that are difficult. A tough problem is not easy to solve, a tough decision is not easy to make, and a tough game or exam takes real effort. We also use it for hard periods in life, as in "a tough year," "a tough childhood," or "a tough time."
There is also an important human meaning. "Tough" can describe a person who can handle pain, pressure, or hardship without giving up. A tough kid may keep going through serious problems. A tough athlete may play through discomfort. In this sense, the word suggests courage, endurance, and emotional strength.
The word can also describe a strict or firm attitude. A tough teacher, tough coach, or tough law does not allow much freedom or softness. You will also hear common phrases like "tough luck," used when someone has had bad luck, and "tough cookie," used for someone who is strong and not easy to upset. Whether it describes texture, difficulty, character, or strict behavior, "tough" usually carries the idea of resistance, pressure, and strength.
Examples
- 1
Difficult test
It was a tough exam, but I passed.
- 2
Explanation
It's tough to explain the difference in a few words.
- 3
Difficult decision
She had to make a tough decision about quitting her job.
- 4
Family hardship
Last year was tough for the whole family.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Food texture
The steak was a little tough, so I couldn't cut it easily.
- 6
Durable clothing
These boots are tough enough for long hikes in the rain.
- 7
Personal resilience
You have to be tough to work in that environment.
- 8
Strict training
Our coach is tough on everyone during training.
- Patterntough on + person
strict with them
- 9
Sympathy
"You lost your phone on the first day of your trip?" "Yeah." "That's tough."
- Usage"That's tough"
an informal way to show sympathy
- 10
Bad luck
Tough luck, the store has already closed.
- Usagetough luck
an informal way to say something unfortunate happened
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- tough decision
- tough question
- tough time
- tough to do
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- toughnounverbadjective
Forms
- toughercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- toughestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun
- toughspluralnounverbadjective
- toughedpast tenseverbadjectivenoun
- toughing-ing formverbadjectivenoun