tough

/tˈʌf/

/ˈtəf/

[adjective] [noun]

tough

[ADJECTIVE]

difficult to achieve or deal with

synonyms : rugged

strong and able to deal with problems

antonyms : tender

insisting that rules be followed strictly and treating people harshly

describing food that is hard to chew or cut, particularly meat

antonyms : tender

physically toughened

synonyms : toughened

antonyms : tender

substantially made or constructed

synonyms : sturdy

feeling physical discomfort or pain (`tough' is occasionally used colloquially for `bad')

synonyms : bad

violent and lawless

synonyms : ruffianly

unfortunate or hard to bear

synonyms : hard

making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe

synonyms : baffling

Tough

an aggressive and violent young criminal

synonyms : goon

a cruel and brutal fellow

synonyms : bully

someone who learned to fight in the streets rather than being formally trained in the sport of boxing

synonyms : street fighter

Examples

1. My job is the tough one.

2. The cycling race included a tough hill climb.

3. The boss is very tough on anyone who steps out of line.

4. She is made of tougher stuff.

Nearby words