tough
Pluraltoughs
Formstoughs, toughing, toughed
- 1Hard to do or deal with, or full of problems and hardship.
Like a math problem that takes a long time to figure out.
That was a tough test, and many students failed it.
The team faced a tough challenge in the final round.
UsageSay a tough test or a tough choice.
Similardifficult, hard, demanding, challenging, arduous
Oppositeeasy, simple, effortless
- 2
- 3Strong enough to last a long time without breaking or wearing out.
Like a strong rope that holds even when you pull hard on it.
These boots are tough and last for years.
The bag is made from tough material that won't tear.
UsageSay tough enough to last.
Similarsturdy, solid, hard, robust, stout
Oppositefragile, flimsy, delicate, weak
Note
- 4
- 5Strong enough in body or mind to keep going through pain, hardship, or opposition.
Like a plant that keeps growing even in dry, rocky ground.
The old farmer was tough and worked all day in the cold.
Sled dogs are tough animals built for freezing weather.
- 6Rough and likely to fight or cause trouble.
Like a rough corner where fights start easily.
He grew up in a tough part of the city.
The bar attracts a tough crowd on weekends.
UsageAlso used for places, like a tough area or a tough neighborhood.
Similarrowdy, unruly, disorderly
Oppositerespectable
Less common meanings
- 7Said to show you don't feel sorry about someone's trouble.
Like a shrug that says you won't help.
You forgot your lunch? Tough, you'll have to wait until dinner.
"It's not fair!" "Tough. Those are the rules."
UsageAlso tough luck. It can sound rude.
- 8A rough person who uses force or threats to get what they want.
Like a bully who takes your lunch money.
The neighborhood tough scared the younger kids off the playground.
A group of toughs hung around outside the store.
UsageOften toughs or a street tough.
Similarthug, hoodlum, ruffian, bully, heavy
Note
- 9
- 10
- 11To make something stronger or harder to break or damage.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
From Old English tōh, meaning tough or sticky. It goes back through old Germanic to a root meaning "to bite."
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Tough derives from Old English tōh. en.wiktionary.org
- Old English tōh meant tough or sticky. en.wiktionary.org
- The word derives through Germanic from a root meaning “to bite.” en.wiktionary.org