toughness
/ˈtʌfnəs/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈʌfnəs] /ˈtʌfnəs/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈʌfnəs] /ˈtəf-nəs How to pronounce toughness (audio)/ (ame, mw)
toughness — noun
1. The property of a material or object that allows it to resist breaking, tearing,
The property of a material or object that allows it to resist breaking, tearing, or being damaged under physical force or pressure.
The toughness of the steel beams made them ideal for the earthquake-resistant bridge.
collocation: toughness of [material]
Karim tested the leather for toughness before choosing it for the motorcycle jacket.
noun + toughness: test for toughness
The new tyre compound gives the racing cars greater toughness against punctures.
Scientists measure the toughness of ceramics by applying controlled pressure until they crack.
- strength
broader term; toughness specifically implies ability to absorb impact without breaking
- durability
focuses on long-lasting wear rather than impact resistance
- hardness
refers to surface resistance to scratching; toughness is about energy absorption
- fragility
the quality of breaking easily under stress
用法筆記
Often used in materials science and engineering contexts. The object is typically a manufactured or natural material such as steel, leather, fabric, or ceramic.
2. The personal quality of being able to cope with hardship, failure, or emotional
The personal quality of being able to cope with hardship, failure, or emotional pain without giving up or losing hope.
Maja showed remarkable toughness by finishing the marathon despite a painful knee injury.
show + toughness + by + verb-ing
The coach praised the team's mental toughness after they came back from three goals down.
collocation: mental toughness
Growing up in difficult circumstances built a deep sense of toughness in the children.
Reema's toughness was tested when her small business nearly went bankrupt during the recession.
- resilience
emphasises the ability to recover quickly; toughness is more about sustained endurance
- determination
focuses on firmness of purpose rather than emotional endurance
- fortitude
more formal; courage in facing pain or adversity
- fragility
emotional vulnerability; easily broken by hardship
用法筆記
Commonly paired with the adjective 'mental'. This sense overlaps with 'resilience' but toughness implies a more active, determined endurance rather than the ability to simply bounce back.
3. A firm attitude in which rules are strictly enforced and little sympathy is show
A firm attitude in which rules are strictly enforced and little sympathy is shown for those who break them.
The school's toughness on uniform rules surprised the new students and their parents.
toughness on [issue]
Charlotte respected her piano teacher's toughness because it pushed her to improve quickly.
The judge was known for her toughness in sentencing repeat offenders to maximum terms.
Some parents complained about the toughness of the new homework policy at the middle school.
- strictness
more neutral; toughness implies an edge of severity
- severity
stronger; suggests harshness
- firmness
gentler implication; steady rather than harsh
- leniency
willingness to make exceptions or be forgiving
用法筆記
Often followed by 'on' (toughness on something) or 'in' (toughness in doing something). Commonly describes authority figures such as teachers, judges, parents, and managers.
4. A tendency or reputation for being physically aggressive, rough, and threatening
A tendency or reputation for being physically aggressive, rough, and threatening in behaviour, often in a way that makes others feel unsafe.
The film was criticised for its toughness — viewers found the constant street fights disturbing.
Hao could not handle the toughness of the streets, so he moved away.
collocation: toughness of the streets
The gang's reputation for toughness kept other groups away from their territory.
Lara told her brother the toughness of the prison population would shock him.
- gentleness
a kind, soft, or peaceful manner
用法筆記
This sense carries a negative, informal tone. It typically describes rough environments, dangerous groups, or aggressive individuals. Rarely found in formal or academic writing.
5. The quality of a problem, task, or situation that makes it extremely difficult t
The quality of a problem, task, or situation that makes it extremely difficult to manage, solve, or get through.
The toughness of the exam surprised even the top students in the class.
the toughness of [challenge]
Eitan underestimated the toughness of the hiking trail and ran out of water halfway up.
The negotiation's toughness came from both sides refusing to compromise on their main demands.
Ada warned the new manager about the toughness of dealing with the factory's union representatives.
- difficulty
the standard neutral term; toughness implies an extra layer of demand
- challenge
more positive framing; toughness focuses on the strain
- ease
the quality of being simple or straightforward
用法筆記
Typically used with 'of' followed by the challenging thing. The toughness can refer to exams, jobs, negotiations, sports matches, or any demanding undertaking.
6. The quality of meat or other food that is firm and requires a lot of chewing, ma
The quality of meat or other food that is firm and requires a lot of chewing, making it unpleasant or difficult to eat.
The toughness of the steak ruined the meal — Tariro could barely cut it.
toughness of [food item]
Dario marinated the beef overnight to reduce its toughness before grilling it.
reduce toughness
The chicken breast's toughness showed the chef had cooked it too long.
Heloísa complained about the toughness of the bread, which was already several days old.
- tenderness
the desirable quality of meat that is easy to cut and chew
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used for meat that has been overcooked or is from an older animal. Can also describe stale bread, old vegetables, or hard fruit.