easy
The backpack is made from tough fabric.
What does Tough mean?
strong or difficult.
Dictionary definition
Tough describes something strong, hard to break, or difficult to do or deal with.
Example sentences
Tough in a sentence
medium
The math problem was tough, but we solved it together.
hard
A tough challenge can help students build patience and confidence.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Tough
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does tough mean?
Tough means strong or difficult.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is most nearly the opposite of tough?
Easy is often the opposite of tough when tough means difficult.
Practice 3
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: The math problem was ____, but we solved it together.
Tough best completes the sentence.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Tough
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Sounds like
TUF
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TUF
Learn
WordTough.
Partadjective.
MeaningTough means strong or difficult.
ExampleExample: The backpack is made from tough fabric.
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Synonyms
Words like Tough
Antonyms
Opposite words
weakUse when something lacks strength.
easyUse when something does not take much effort.
Synonym practice
Want to practice tough synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The resilient plant grew again after the storm," then compare close word choices. Practice tough synonyms.
Word family
Tough word family
Base word
tough
adjective
tough
Strong, sturdy, or difficult.
adjective
tougher
More tough.
adjective
toughest
Most tough.
noun
toughness
The quality of being strong or difficult to break.
Related words
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Learning activities
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Sentence Builder
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