TOUGH


Meaning of TOUGH in English

(~er, ~est, ~s)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.

A ~ person is strong and determined, and can tolerate difficulty or suffering.

He built up a reputation as a ~ businessman...

She is ~ and ambitious.

ADJ

~ness

Mrs Potter has won a reputation for ~ness and determination on her way to the top.

N-UNCOUNT

2.

If you describe someone as ~, you mean that they are rough and violent.

He had shot three people dead earning himself a reputation as a ~ guy.

ADJ

A ~ is a ~ person.

Three burly ~s elbowed their way to the front.

N-COUNT

3.

A ~ place or area is considered to have a lot of crime and violence.

She doesn’t seem cut out for this ~ neighbourhood...

= rough

ADJ: usu ADJ n

4.

A ~ way of life or period of time is difficult or full of suffering.

He was having a really ~ time at work.

= rough

ADJ: usu ADJ n

5.

A ~ task or problem is difficult to do or solve.

It was a very ~ decision but we feel we made the right one...

= hard

ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ to-inf, ADJ to-inf

6.

Tough policies or actions are strict and firm.

He is known for taking a ~ line on security...

= strong

ADJ

7.

A ~ substance is strong, and difficult to break, cut, or tear.

In industry, diamond can form a ~, non-corrosive coating for tools.

ADJ

8.

Tough meat is difficult to cut and chew.

The steak was ~ and the peas were like bullets.

ADJ

9.

If someone who is trying to achieve something hangs ~, they remain determined and do not give up, even when there are difficulties or problems. (AM INFORMAL)

The White House is hanging ~ for a good agreement to be reached.

PHRASE: V inflects

Collins COBUILD.      Толковый словарь английского языка для изучающих язык Коллинз COBUILD (международная база данных языков Бирмингемского университета) .