We use 'tough' to talk about things or people that are strong. Something tough does not break or get hurt easily. It can also mean able to work well in hard or bad conditions.
This jacket is very tough and lasts long.
That rope feels tough and will not break.
We say something is 'tough' when it is not easy to do or understand. It can be used for problems, tasks, or situations that need effort or skill.
The test was tough but I passed.
This homework is really tough for me.
'Tough' describes a person who is strong mentally or physically. They may be strict or not easily affected by problems or feelings.
My coach is tough but fair.
She has a tough character and helps others.
Use 'tough' to talk about hard or unpleasant experiences in life. These can be emotional or physical challenges that make you feel sad or stressed.
It was a tough time after the accident.
She had a tough day at work.
'Tough' can describe food that is hard to bite or chew. It means the food is firm and not soft, so it is not easy to eat.
The steak is tough, I can’t eat it.
This bread is tough and dry.
As a noun, 'tough' means a strong or violent person who may bully others. It is often used in informal speech to describe someone who is not afraid to fight.
He is a tough in this neighborhood.
The tough scared the small kids.
Sometimes 'tough' as a noun refers to hard or difficult things someone has to face. It means challenges or problems in life or work.
He went through many toughs in life.
Work has many toughs sometimes.
'Tough' can describe someone or something being very strict or not kind. This use shows a sense of strong rules or strict punishment without softness.
The judge was tough on the criminals.
She has a tough rule in her class.
