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

Netflix takes an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the high stakes and mental toughness of the sprinters who devote their entire lives to crossing the finish line in record time, where their professional futures are decided in just fractions of a second. —Essence, 10 Dec. 2024

This opacity is what makes tariffs politically attractive—politicians can impose them to fill government coffers or signal toughness in a trade negotiation without the backlash that would accompany the same policy pushed through the tax code. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

But in the toughness category, which will matter for the Vikings’ chances at making hay in the postseason and for NFL teams seeking a starting QB this offseason, Darnold has easily passed the test. —Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

While compassionate, Rell also had a strong determination and toughness when necessary. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

tough entry 1 + -ness

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above