tough

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Difficult to do, deal with, understand, or endure.

   Grammar: Usually before a noun or after a linking verb: a tough choice, The test was tough.

   Patterns

   • a tough decision/question/task
   • tough on someone/something
   • tough to do something
   • tough times

   The final exam was tough, but fair.

   She made a tough decision and postponed the launch.

   These are tough times for small shops.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Strong and resilient; able to withstand hardship, wear, pressure, or rough treatment.

   Grammar: Describes people, materials, or policies that do not break or give up easily.

   Patterns

   • tough material/leather
   • a tough competitor/player
   • stay tough
   • physically tough

   This suitcase is made from tough plastic.

   You have to be tough to work outdoors all winter.

   The team played a tough match and still won.

3. 3adjectivecomparable

   Strict, severe, or not easily persuaded.

   Grammar: Often before a noun for people, rules, laws, or talks; harsher than firm.

   Patterns

   • a tough teacher/boss
   • tough laws/rules
   • get tough on crime
   • a tough negotiator

   Our coach is tough but supportive.

   The city introduced tough new safety rules.

   You need a tough negotiator in that meeting.

Word forms

Common combinations

tough decision

Moving abroad was a tough decision for the family.

tough competition

The new phone faces tough competition from cheaper brands.

tough on someone

The reviewer was tough on the plot, though she liked the acting.

tough enough to do something

Is the rope tough enough to hold the boxes?

Synonyms and how they differ

difficult

Very close for hard tasks; difficult is neutral, while tough can also suggest endurance or strength.

hard

More everyday and broad; tough often implies pressure, pain, or strictness beyond simple difficulty.

durable

Better for materials that resist damage; it does not mean difficult to do.

strict

Fits the severe-person or rules sense; it does not fit difficult exams or hard leather.

Opposites

Word family

toughness noun

The quality of being strong, durable, or difficult.

toughen verb

To make or become stronger, stricter, or more able to endure.

toughly adverb

In a strict or hardy way; less common in everyday speech.

Commonly confused: tough or though? tough or rough?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “tough”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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