26984 words

tough

14 definitions • 34 examples
1
strong; not easily broken or made weaker:

Examples:

These toys are made from tough plastic.
Children's shoes need to be tough.
2
of a person, able to deal with difficult situations and not be easily defeated, frightened or upset:

Examples:

You have to be tough to be successful in politics.
Even tough guys need to cry sometimes.
informal Their lawyer is a real tough customer (= person).
3
severe in limiting what is allowed or in punishing people who do not obey rules or laws:

Examples:

Tough new safety standards have been introduced for cars.
There have been calls for tougher controls/restrictions on what online retailers are allowed to sell.
I think it's time the police got tougher on/with (= treated more severely) people who drink and drive.
The government is continuing to take a tough line on terrorism.
4
difficult to do or to deal with:

Examples:

They've had an exceptionally tough life.
They will be a tough team to beat.
The company is going through a tough time at the moment.
We've had to make some very tough decisions.
My boss has given me a tough job/assignment.
Many homeless people are facing a tough winter.
After some tough bargaining, we finally agreed on a deal.
5
Tough food is difficult to cut or eat:

Examples:

This steak is very tough.
These apples have tough skins.
6
likely to be violent or to contain violence; not kind or pleasant:

Examples:

a tough neighbourhood
Many of the country's toughest criminals are held in this prison.
7

Examples:

"I have to work late today because I'm very behind on my work." "Oh, tough luck!"
It's tough on Geoff that he's going to miss the party.
8
sometimes used to show that you have no sympathy for someone's problems or difficulties:

Examples:

"I don't have any money left." "Well, (that's just) tough - you shouldn't have spent it all on cigarettes."
9
a violent person:

Examples:

Bands of armed toughs roamed the city.
10

Examples:

These toys are made of tough plastic.
You have to be tough to be successful in politics.
The police are getting tougher on illegal parking.
11
Results or actions that are tough are severe and determined:

Examples:

Tough new safety standards for cars are being introduced this week.
12
difficult to do or deal with:

Examples:

They will be a tough team to beat.
We’ve had to make some very tough decisions.
It’s going to be a tough winter.
13
Food that is tough is difficult to cut or eat:

Examples:

a tough steak
14

Examples:

a tough guy
a tough neighborhood

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