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

His athleticism, toughness and leadership skills will be called upon by a Narbonne team that is loaded with quality skill-position players. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024

But while the measurements — in both time and size — aren’t all that alluring, Barrett’s toughness, tenacity and natural leadership ability should give him a chance in Carolina. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2024

Perry has the size, strength and toughness to be a more impactful run defender but seems too content to cruise through games at times. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 May 2024

His Catwoman, in the final installment of his trilogy, needed to exude intelligence, toughness, and street smarts. —Chris Bellamy and Stephanie Kaloi, EW.com, 2 May 2024

Opinion: Brittney Griner puts toughness, humanity on display in moving interview. —Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA TODAY, 2 May 2024

While the men of the CCBA wondered if these kids would have the toughness required to survive combat, Greenwood expressed an unwavering faith in his students. —Susan Tate Ankeny, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2024

McMillan is a slot target with good size, big hands and the toughness to work in the middle of the field. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2024

Scouting Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown has emphasized the need for solid, consistent defense, toughness and physicality since the start of training camp. —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

tough entry 1 + -ness

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above