tough
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for tough, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Strong and resilient; not easily broken, worn out, or damaged.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tough
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English tōh, meaning "tenacious" or "sticky, holding fast together" — related to words in German (zäh) and Dutch (taai) that carry the same sense.
Full origin of tough →Frequently asked questions
What does “tough” mean?
The word “tough” means strong and resilient; not easily broken, worn out, or damaged. In plain terms, strong and hard to damage, or (of a situation) difficult and demanding endurance.
How do you pronounce “tough”?
“Tough” is pronounced tuhf (/tʌf/ in IPA).
How do you use “tough” in a sentence?
Here is “tough” used in a sentence: “These work boots are made from tough leather.”
What part of speech is “tough”?
Depending on how it is used, “tough” can be an adjective and an interjection.
Where does the word “tough” come from?
The word “tough” comes from Old English. From Old English tōh, meaning "tenacious" or "sticky, holding fast together" — related to words in German (zäh) and Dutch (taai) that carry the same sense.
Is “tough” a common word?
“Tough” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tough” have?
“Tough” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strong and resilient; not easily broken, worn out, or damaged.
What is the difference between tough and strong?
Strong describes power or force — the ability to exert or resist a load. Tough describes resilience and durability — the ability to withstand wear, hardship, or damage without breaking. A weightlifter is strong; old boots that survive years of abuse are tough. Something can easily be one without the other.
Can a person be tough?
Yes. Applied to people, tough means resilient and hard to wear down — able to endure pain, stress, or hardship without giving up. A tough competitor keeps fighting; a tough upbringing tests someone's resolve. It can also mean strict or uncompromising, as in a tough negotiator or being tough on crime.
Is tough a positive or negative word?
It depends on context. Describing durability or resilience, tough is positive — a tough material lasts, a tough person copes well. But tough can also mean difficult or harsh: a tough exam, a tough break, a tough boss, or tough meat that is hard to chew. Tone and situation decide.
What is the opposite of tough?
It varies by sense. For durable materials, the opposite is fragile, delicate, or flimsy. For resilient people, it is weak or soft. For chewy food, the opposite is tender. And when tough means difficult, the opposite is easy. Context decides which antonym fits best.