tough

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.

“Tough” is pronounced tuhf (/tʌf/ in IPA).

Here is “tough” used in a sentence: “These work boots are made from tough leather.”

Depending on how it is used, “tough” can be an adjective and an interjection.

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.

“Tough” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Tough” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strong and resilient; not easily broken, worn out, or damaged.

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.

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.

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.

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.