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

Despite having no training camp — or playing in a preseason game or even having a padded practice — Hunt demonstrated his toughness, tenacity and perseverance this season to lead the Chiefs with 200 rushing attempts for 728 yards and seven touchdowns. —Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

Number three is gratitude, which is directly linked to inner peace, inner strength and mental toughness. —Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Despite those challenges, Love has proven his toughness, finishing the regular season with solid numbers: 25 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and an average of 225.9 passing yards per game across 15 starts. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025

Trudeau first won the Liberal Party leadership in 2013 after proving his toughness and unexpectedly triumphing 3-1 in a charity boxing match. —Stephen Maher, TIME, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

tough entry 1 + -ness

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above