tough

//tʌf//
B1Frequency Level 5Neutral
Visual representation of tough

Adjective

toughCanonical form
tougherComparative
toughestSuperlative
1

Strong and resilient; not easily broken, cut, or damaged.

This material is very tough and won't tear easily.

2

Difficult to chew or cut through (of food, especially meat).

This steak is too tough to chew.

3

Able to endure hardship or pain; physically or mentally strong.

She's tough enough to handle any challenge that comes her way.

4

Difficult to do or deal with; requiring great effort or skill.

It was a tough decision to make.

5

Strict, harsh, or uncompromising in attitude or action.

The government took a tough stance on crime.

6

Unfortunate or unlucky; used to express sympathy.

That's tough. I hope things get better for you soon.

Noun

1

A rough or violent person; a thug or hooligan.

A group of toughs were causing trouble outside the bar.

Verb

1

To endure or tolerate something difficult (usually with 'out').

We decided to tough it out until the end of the project.

tough - Deep Vocabulary