toughness

noun

tough·​ness ˈtəf-nəs 

: the quality or state of being tough: such as

a

: the quality of being strong and not easily broken, torn, etc.

This combination of strength and ductility makes spider silk extremely tough, matching the toughness of state-of-the-art carbon fibers such as Kevlar.

—MIT Technology Review

also : the quality of being difficult to cut or chew

… the extreme toughness of the beef … , which rendered it quite unfit … for any human consumption.

—Charles Dickens

b

: physical or emotional strength that allows someone to endure strain or hardship

Henin-Hardenne's unshakable mental toughness—she says one of her great joys in life is staving off a break point in a tight match—makes her all the more formidable.

—L. Jon Wertheim

c

: the quality of being severe or uncompromising

the toughness of the new sentencing guidelines

his toughness as a negotiator

The Minnesota senator referenced the story during her campaign to showcase her toughness on crime.

—Summer Concepcion and Matt Shuham

Besides teaching us how to hit with pads [in football], [Sister] Paulinus instructed us in English, history, and the love of God, with a distinctive combination of toughness and good humor.

—Luke Timothy Johnson

d

: the quality of being difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with

the toughness of life in prison

the toughness of these decisions

After an appearance on British television, he is almost giddy at the toughness of the questions he faced.

—A. O. Scott

Just spritz on some Dawn Power Dissolver, wait 15 to 30 minutes depending on the toughness of the job, wipe with a sponge, and rinse.

—Cook's Illustrated

Examples of toughness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Frost believes an emphasis on building toughness through the offseason workouts and spring and fall camps will help in critical situations throughout the season. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026

How much remains unclear, but the optics were concerning for a player whose game is built on physicality, effort and toughness. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026

There’s scoring, there’s toughness, there’s IQ, there’s team player — all those, all those things that looks like he’s exhibited. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2026

With a gritty defensive approach and the ability to control tempo, Tennessee will look to disrupt Michigan’s rhythm and turn this into a half-court battle where toughness and execution could tilt the game. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

tough entry 1 + -ness

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for toughness

• roughness