tough
Comparative
tougher
Superlative
toughest
1
difficult to achieve or deal with
- 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.
- Finding a job in a competitive market can be tough, especially without relevant experience.
- Coping with the loss of a loved one can be tough, requiring time and emotional support.
- Balancing work and family responsibilities can be tough for working parents.
2
(of a person) strong and able to deal with problems
- Being a firefighter has made him a tough man.
- He's a tough negotiator, always getting the best deals.
- I believe my father is a tough guy; he always stands up for what he believes in.
- My friend is tough, nothing ever seems to get her down.
- My grandmother is tough, she raised six children on her own.
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3
uncompromising in one's expectations, rules, or approach to dealing with others
- 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.
- In negotiations, his tough stance on pricing secured a favorable deal for the company.
- The judge's tough sentencing reflected the seriousness of the crime and deterred future offenders.
4
(of food, particularly meat) hard to chew or cut
- The steak was so tough, it was almost impossible to chew.
- The bread was too tough to eat without soaking it in water.
- The tough meat took longer to break down with each bite.
- The tough chicken breast made it hard to enjoy the meal.
- The pizza crust was too tough for my young child to chew.
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5
having physical strength and resilience
- 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.
- Despite his age, Jack's tough physique allowed him to compete in grueling endurance races.
- The tough firefighter was able to withstand the heat and smoke during rescue operations.
- Despite the harsh conditions, the tough explorer traversed rugged terrain and extreme climates.
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6
strong enough to withstand adverse conditions or rough handling
- 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.
- The climbers relied on tough ropes to ensure their safety.
- The backpack was made of tough material, ideal for outdoor adventures.
- He chose a tough suitcase that could endure frequent travel.
7
(of a place) having a reputation for crime, disorder, or a generally unsafe and lawless environment
- 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.
- He came from a tough place where survival often meant staying vigilant.
- Living in a tough part of the city, they were always wary of their surroundings.
- The tough sections of the district had little police presence and high crime rates.
8
difficult to endure
- 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.
- She had tough luck getting her visa approved on time for the trip.
- Despite his best efforts, he had a tough break in his career due to the economic downturn.
- Their startup encountered tough challenges securing funding from investors.
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