tough-mind·ed
ˈtəf-ˌmīn-dəd 
: realistic or unsentimental in temper or outlook
tough-minded survivors
tough-mindedness
noun
tough-mind·ed·ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being tough-minded
this educational process had the tendency to turn cynicism into tough-mindedness—
C. G. Bolte
C. G. BolteExamples of tough-minded in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
Kerr encourages players, coaches and others in the Warriors organization to be kind and tough-minded, compassionate and competitive, rigorous and creative, consistent and innovative.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The professionalism of stars, their charismatic hold over audiences, is inseparable from such tough-minded reckonings.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
The number of ambiguous, tough-minded docs may be dwindling, but the tools to repair a broken world are growing.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Dec. 2025
His dad was a very, very tough-minded person.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
That second unit included Pollard, who was known for being physical and tough-minded during an era when physicality was more celebrated in the NBA, if not always during practice.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
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
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Adjective
Jarred Vanderbilt is tough-minded, Lakers coach JJ Redick said.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
Kerr encourages players, coaches and others in the Warriors organization to be kind and tough-minded, compassionate and competitive, rigorous and creative, consistent and innovative.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The professionalism of stars, their charismatic hold over audiences, is inseparable from such tough-minded reckonings.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
The number of ambiguous, tough-minded docs may be dwindling, but the tools to repair a broken world are growing.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Dec. 2025
His dad was a very, very tough-minded person.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
That second unit included Pollard, who was known for being physical and tough-minded during an era when physicality was more celebrated in the NBA, if not always during practice.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Tough-minded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tough-minded. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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