B2adjective 1K

Tough

🇬🇧 UK /["/tʌf/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/tʌf/"]/

Meaning of Tough

having or causing problems or difficulties

In simple words: Hard or difficult to deal with

Tough in a sentence

• The competition was tough, but I managed to win first place.
• He has a tough exterior, but he's actually very sensitive inside.
• The teacher gave us a tough assignment that required a lot of effort.
• Surviving in the wilderness can be a tough challenge for anyone.
• After a tough day at work, I like to relax with a good book.
• He plays as a tough linebacker on the football team.
• The tough economic conditions have affected many businesses.
• It’s tough to see someone you care about in pain.
• This steak is too tough to chew properly.
• With tough love, her parents pushed her to excel in her studies.

How to use Tough

Use 'tough' to describe something that is difficult, whether it's a situation or a person’s character. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts but may sound too informal in very serious discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Tough sounds like 'cough' — think of a tough cough that is hard to overcome.

Related words

Collocations with Tough

• be
• seem
• get
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• on
• be
• become
• get
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• on
• with
• appear
• be
• feel
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• appear
• be
• feel
• extremely
• fairly
• very

Synonyms for Tough

• difficult
• hard
• strong
• resilient
• rugged

Opposites of Tough

• easy
• soft
• gentle

Common mistakes with Tough

• Using 'tough' as a noun — 'He is a tough' should be 'He is tough'.
• Confusing 'tough' with 'though' in casual speech.
• Overusing 'tough' in contexts where 'difficult' is more suitable.

Frequently asked questions about Tough

What does Tough mean?

Hard or difficult to deal with

What is the definition of Tough?

having or causing problems or difficulties

How do you use Tough in a sentence?

The competition was tough, but I managed to win first place.

Can you give another example of Tough?

He has a tough exterior, but he's actually very sensitive inside.

What are synonyms for Tough?

Common alternatives include difficult, hard, strong, resilient, rugged.

What is the opposite of Tough?

Opposite meanings include easy, soft, gentle.

What words go with Tough?

It commonly pairs with be, seem, get, extremely, fairly, very, on, be, become, get, extremely, fairly, very, on, with, appear, be, feel, extremely, fairly, very, appear, be, feel, extremely, fairly, very.

What are common mistakes when using Tough?

Using 'tough' as a noun — 'He is a tough' should be 'He is tough'. Confusing 'tough' with 'though' in casual speech. Overusing 'tough' in contexts where 'difficult' is more suitable.

How do you pronounce Tough?

US: /["/tʌf/"]/, UK: /["/tʌf/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Tough?

Use 'tough' to describe something that is difficult, whether it's a situation or a person’s character. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts but may sound too informal in very serious discussions.

What CEFR level is Tough?

"Tough" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.