tough
♦♦ tough /t'ʌf/ (tougher toughest toughs)
1 [ADJ]
A tough person is strong and determined, and can tolerate difficulty or suffering.
He built up a reputation as a tough businessman...
She is tough and ambitious.
● toughness [N-UNCOUNT]
Mrs Potter has won a reputation for toughness and determination on her way to the top.
2 [ADJ]
If you describe someone as tough, you mean that they are rough and violent.
He had shot three people dead earning himself a reputation as a tough guy.
[N-COUNT]
A tough is a tough person.
Three burly toughs elbowed their way to the front.
3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
A tough place or area is considered to have a lot of crime and violence.
She doesn't seem cut out for this tough neighbourhood...
= rough
4 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
A tough way of life or period of time is difficult or full of suffering.
He was having a really tough time at work.
= rough
5 [ADJ] oft it v-link ADJ to-inf, ADJ to-inf
A tough task or problem is difficult to do or solve.
It was a very tough decision but we feel we made the right one...
= hard
6 [ADJ]
Tough policies or actions are strict and firm.
He is known for taking a tough line on security...
= strong
7 [ADJ]
A tough substance is strong, and difficult to break, cut, or tear.
In industry, diamond can form a tough, non-corrosive coating for tools.
8 [ADJ]
Tough meat is difficult to cut and chew.
The steak was tough and the peas were like bullets.
9 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone who is trying to achieve something hangs tough, they remain determined and do not give up, even when there are difficulties or problems. (AM INFORMAL)
The White House is hanging tough for a good agreement to be reached.tough cookie (tough cookies)
[N-COUNT]
If you describe someone as a tough cookie, you mean that they are unemotional and are not easily hurt by what people say or do.tough love
[N-UNCOUNT]
Tough love is the practice of being very strict with a relative or friend who has an addiction or other problem in order to help them overcome the problem.
...the activities of black communities in identifying their own law-breaking youths and then administering tough love.
1 [ADJ]
A tough person is strong and determined, and can tolerate difficulty or suffering.
He built up a reputation as a tough businessman...
She is tough and ambitious.
● toughness [N-UNCOUNT]
Mrs Potter has won a reputation for toughness and determination on her way to the top.
2 [ADJ]
If you describe someone as tough, you mean that they are rough and violent.
He had shot three people dead earning himself a reputation as a tough guy.
[N-COUNT]
A tough is a tough person.
Three burly toughs elbowed their way to the front.
3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
A tough place or area is considered to have a lot of crime and violence.
She doesn't seem cut out for this tough neighbourhood...
= rough
4 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
A tough way of life or period of time is difficult or full of suffering.
He was having a really tough time at work.
= rough
5 [ADJ] oft it v-link ADJ to-inf, ADJ to-inf
A tough task or problem is difficult to do or solve.
It was a very tough decision but we feel we made the right one...
= hard
6 [ADJ]
Tough policies or actions are strict and firm.
He is known for taking a tough line on security...
= strong
7 [ADJ]
A tough substance is strong, and difficult to break, cut, or tear.
In industry, diamond can form a tough, non-corrosive coating for tools.
8 [ADJ]
Tough meat is difficult to cut and chew.
The steak was tough and the peas were like bullets.
9 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone who is trying to achieve something hangs tough, they remain determined and do not give up, even when there are difficulties or problems. (AM INFORMAL)
The White House is hanging tough for a good agreement to be reached.tough cookie (tough cookies)
[N-COUNT]
If you describe someone as a tough cookie, you mean that they are unemotional and are not easily hurt by what people say or do.tough love
[N-UNCOUNT]
Tough love is the practice of being very strict with a relative or friend who has an addiction or other problem in order to help them overcome the problem.
...the activities of black communities in identifying their own law-breaking youths and then administering tough love.