tough-minded

adjective

tough-mind·​ed ˈtəf-ˌmīn-dəd 

: realistic or unsentimental in temper or outlook

tough-minded survivors

tough-mindedness noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

It's been a lot of tough-minded, talented players, but three have stood out as the catalysts: Ace senior pitcher Michael Karlin, senior outfielder Ian Bailey and senior catcher Connor Morrison. —Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 21 Apr. 2023

Vallas, who has never won elective office, had finished first, casting himself as a tough-minded technocrat who would reinvigorate the police department in a city whose voters call crime their biggest concern. —Peter Slevin, The New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2023

But this has been a tough-minded Deer Valley bunch that has never backed down from a challenge. —Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2023

This was Lightfoot 2019, the candidate whose expansive and tough-minded vision had won over the city. —Peter Slevin, The New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2023

At work at the discount store, Emily taunts and defies the tough-minded, conscientious assistant manager, Rita (Alfre Woodard). —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above