B2adjective1K

Tough

UK /["/tʌf/"]/US /["/tʌf/"]/

Definition

having or causing problems or difficulties

In simple words: Hard or difficult to deal with

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • difficult
  • hard
  • strong
  • resilient
  • rugged

Antonyms

  • easy
  • soft
  • gentle

Common mistakes

  • 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.