toughness

noun

tough·​ness ˈtəf-nəs 

: the quality or state of being tough: such as

a

: the quality of being strong and not easily broken, torn, etc.

This combination of strength and ductility makes spider silk extremely tough, matching the toughness of state-of-the-art carbon fibers such as Kevlar.

—MIT Technology Review

also : the quality of being difficult to cut or chew

… the extreme toughness of the beef … , which rendered it quite unfit … for any human consumption.

—Charles Dickens

b

: physical or emotional strength that allows someone to endure strain or hardship

Henin-Hardenne's unshakable mental toughness—she says one of her great joys in life is staving off a break point in a tight match—makes her all the more formidable.

—L. Jon Wertheim

c

: the quality of being severe or uncompromising

the toughness of the new sentencing guidelines

his toughness as a negotiator

The Minnesota senator referenced the story during her campaign to showcase her toughness on crime.

—Summer Concepcion and Matt Shuham

Besides teaching us how to hit with pads [in football], [Sister] Paulinus instructed us in English, history, and the love of God, with a distinctive combination of toughness and good humor.

—Luke Timothy Johnson

d

: the quality of being difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with

the toughness of life in prison

the toughness of these decisions

After an appearance on British television, he is almost giddy at the toughness of the questions he faced.

—A. O. Scott

Just spritz on some Dawn Power Dissolver, wait 15 to 30 minutes depending on the toughness of the job, wipe with a sponge, and rinse.

—Cook's Illustrated

Examples of toughness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While the men of the CCBA wondered if these kids would have the toughness required to survive combat, Greenwood expressed an unwavering faith in his students. —Susan Tate Ankeny, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2024

McMillan is a slot target with good size, big hands and the toughness to work in the middle of the field. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2024

Scouting Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown has emphasized the need for solid, consistent defense, toughness and physicality since the start of training camp. —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024

In the end, the Wolverines used their experience and defensive toughness to pull out victory. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024

Mental toughness is an obsession with Jason Drotter, one of those intangible – yet essential – elements that come with his job. —Brian Robin, Orange County Register, 5 Apr. 2024

Against a young, inexperienced, but unquestionably talented Spurs team, Green won with toughness, determination, and smarts. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024

Throughout the offseason, into the summer and extending to the start of training camp and beyond, Harbaugh will preach the importance of toughness, of running the ball, particularly with the presence of Justin Herbert. —Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024

The course is also a great place to strengthen her mental toughness, an essential muscle for any athlete. 10. —Lizzy Briskin, SELF, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

tough entry 1 + -ness

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above