English dictionary
tough
nounPronunciation
/tʌf/
Audio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
noun
- A person who obtains things by force; a thug or bully.
verb
- To endure.
- To toughen.
adjective
- Strong and resilient; sturdy.
- (of food) Difficult to cut or chew.
- Rugged or physically hardy.
- Stubborn.
- (of weather etc) Harsh or severe.
- Rowdy or rough.
- (of questions, etc.) Difficult or demanding.
- Undergoing plastic deformation before breaking.
interjection
- Used to indicate lack of sympathy
Example sentences
They were doing fine until they encountered a bunch of toughs from the opposition.
The tent, made of tough canvas, held up to many abuses.
To soften a tough cut of meat, the recipe suggested simmering it for hours.
Only a tough species will survive in the desert.
He had a reputation as a tough negotiator.
A bunch of the tough boys from the wrong side of the tracks threatened him.
This is a tough crowd.
If you don't like it, tough!