tough-minded
adjective
tough-mind·ed
ˈtəf-ˌmīn-dəd 
: realistic or unsentimental in temper or outlook
tough-minded survivors
tough-mindedness
noun
Examples of tough-minded in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The tough-minded, rigid leadership style that worked during Welch’s era doesn’t fit the needs of modern leadership, especially for younger generations who value vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional intelligence.
—
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Is the group as tough-minded without Thibodeau’s patented verve?
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
However, both are smart, tough-minded and experienced players who understand their responsibilities and will take care of business on an every-down basis.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
At times, the Administration seemed to be testing how much destruction Americans would tolerate, if it was packaged as tough-minded business wisdom.
—Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Everyone in the studio nods along to Paco’s tough-minded flexes and mafioso folktales.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2025
There are no Cooper Flagg’s on St. John’s, but there are all these tough-minded and talented players so much fun to watch, RJ Luis Jr. and Zuby Ejiofor and Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith, who powered through the Big East Tournament with a shoulder injury.
—Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025
Incoming players must fit his culture, be tough-minded and play with maximum effort and a fierce play demeanor.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
James is quite tough-minded about the limits of radical chic.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
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Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Is the group as tough-minded without Thibodeau’s patented verve?
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
However, both are smart, tough-minded and experienced players who understand their responsibilities and will take care of business on an every-down basis.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
At times, the Administration seemed to be testing how much destruction Americans would tolerate, if it was packaged as tough-minded business wisdom.
—Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Everyone in the studio nods along to Paco’s tough-minded flexes and mafioso folktales.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2025
There are no Cooper Flagg’s on St. John’s, but there are all these tough-minded and talented players so much fun to watch, RJ Luis Jr. and Zuby Ejiofor and Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith, who powered through the Big East Tournament with a shoulder injury.
—Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025
Incoming players must fit his culture, be tough-minded and play with maximum effort and a fierce play demeanor.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
James is quite tough-minded about the limits of radical chic.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tough-minded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tough-minded. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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