tough

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /tʌf/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Homophones

• tuff

Adjective

Positive tough

Comparative tougher

Superlative toughest

1. If something is tough, it is difficult, not easy.

   It's important to stay healthy when the going gets tough.

   It was a tough decision, but I think she make the right choice.

   The weather makes the overall competition tougher.

   The wood was tough to break.

2. If something is tough, it doesn't change or move easily; it's not soft.

   The government is taking a tough stance on crime.

   The public wants tougher enforcement of these laws.

   The meat was really tough.

   She was a tough, smart businesswoman.

3. If something is tough, it is not nice to experience.

   He should get the toughest penalty possible for this killing.

4. If a person is tough, they are strong and may often fight.

   He was an older guy, truly tough with huge arms and a gold cross chain.

   We looked pretty tough on our motorcycles.

Synonyms

• hard
• strong
• difficult
• firm
• independent

Verb

Plain form tough

Third-person singular toughs

Past tense toughed

Past participle toughed

Present participle toughing

1. (transitive & intransitive) If you tough something out, it is difficult, but you continue; you don't give up.

   Even though it rained the whole time, they toughed it out without complaining.