thick-skinned

adjective

ˈthik-ˌskind 

1

: having a thick skin : pachydermatous

2

a

: callous, insensitive

b

: impervious to criticism

became thick-skinned about his own work

Synonyms of thick-skinned

• ruthless
• merciless
• stony

Examples of thick-skinned in a Sentence

was so thick-skinned that she was clueless about the fact that the joke had hurt her friend's feelings

Recent Examples on the Web

Wash the outside of the thick-skinned produce and wash your hands before cutting into it. — Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 July 2026

Fishman’s job had been to promote the tiny, thick-skinned species of the fruit that grows wild in Maine, as iconic a state delicacy as lobster. — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026

The trunk, in the manner of succulent trees at large, is technically a caudex or thick-skinned water storage structure, which, in this case, is also the principal photosynthesizing or food-producing organ of the tree. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025

Southerners like to use these thick-skinned grapes for preserves and wines. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thick-skinned

• underpinned
• chagrined
• downwind
• rescind
• upwind
• whirlwind
• woodwind
• finned
• ginned
• grinned
• pinned
• sinned

Kids Definition

thick-skinned

adjective

-ˈskind

1

: having a thick skin

2

: not easily bothered by criticism or insult