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tough
01
difficult to achieve or deal with
Examples
Climbing Mount Everest is tough due to its extreme altitude and unpredictable weather conditions.
Overcoming addiction can be tough, requiring both physical and mental strength.
02
(of a person) strong and able to deal with problems
Examples
Being a firefighter has made him a tough man.
He 's a tough negotiator, always getting the best deals.
03
uncompromising in one's expectations, rules, or approach to dealing with others
Examples
His tough management style earned him a reputation for achieving results, albeit with high expectations.
The sergeant was known for being tough but fair, instilling discipline and accountability in the troops.
04
(of food, particularly meat) hard to chew or cut
Examples
The steak was so tough, it was almost impossible to chew.
The bread was too tough to eat without soaking it in water.
Examples
After years of rigorous training, the tough athlete could endure extreme conditions without faltering.
The tough laborer could lift heavy loads effortlessly due to years of hard work.
06
strong enough to withstand adverse conditions or rough handling
Examples
The tough fabric of the jacket made it substantial enough to endure harsh weather conditions.
The tough leather boots lasted for years despite daily wear.
07
(of a place) having a reputation for crime, disorder, or a generally unsafe and lawless environment
Examples
The city was known for its tough neighborhoods, where danger lurked around every corner.
The tough areas of the town were notorious for frequent street fights.
08
difficult to endure
Examples
After graduating, he faced a tough time finding a job in his field.
They went through a tough period financially after the unexpected medical expenses.
tough
01
used to dismiss someone's complaints or objections, showing indifference to their difficulties
SlangExamples
You do n't like the rules? Tough, they're not changing.
If you ca n't handle the criticism, tough — it's part of the job.
to tough
01
to endure or persist through a challenging or harsh situation, often with determination
Examples
He toughed through months of rehabilitation after the accident to regain his strength.
She toughed through the exhausting training to prepare for the competition.
Lexical Tree
toughen
toughly
toughness
tough
