tough-minded

adjective

tough-mind·​ed ˈtəf-ˌmīn-dəd How to pronounce tough-minded (audio)
: 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 Under tough-minded presidents, that has occasionally happened. Nicholas Kristof, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024 Against them, there is the tough-minded continual splendor of Robinson’s attention to Genesis’ figures in the landscape. Francis Spufford, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Seesaw first half Izzo and Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell are known for their tough-minded, defense-first teams. Detroit Free Press, 14 Jan. 2024 And why was Barbara, the tough-minded author of Nickel and Dimed and Fear of Falling, buying into this gauzy nonsense? Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 19 Sep. 2023 Popkin also does not present credible evidence that Montes, as some of his sources allege, significantly distorted the intelligence community’s characteristically tough-minded assessments of Cuba. Jim Popkin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2023 Premiering in the main competition at Karlovy Vary, this is tense, tough-minded fare that isn’t afraid to test the bounds of realism for the sake of a good story, but nonetheless feels authentically rooted in an ailing, neglected strand of Bulgarian society. Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 July 2023 For many years, the office of public counsel, charged with representing the interests of utility customers, was occupied by a tough-minded attorney who fought to impede the power cartel’s hikes. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 5 Jan. 2023 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tough-minded.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tough-minded was in 1907

Dictionary Entries Near tough-minded

Cite this Entry

“Tough-minded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tough-minded. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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