1. difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with
a tough question tough luck
2. capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor
tough soldiers
3. unruly, rowdyish
a tough gang
4. strong or firm in texture but flexible and not brittle
5. not easily chewed
tough meat
6. characterized by severity or uncompromising determination
tough laws tough discipline
7. very hard to influence stubborn
a tough negotiator
8. stubbornly fought
a tough contest
9. marked by absence of softness or sentimentality
a tough critic
10. glutinous, sticky
11. in a tough manner (see tough entry 1)
talking tough
12. a tough and violent person rowdy
13. to bear unflinchingly endure —usually used with out especially in the phrase tough it out
14. very difficult to do or deal with
15. physically and emotionally strong able to do hard work, to deal with harsh conditions, etc.
16. physically strong and violent
17. in a way that shows that you are strong or tough
18. a tough and violent person
19. strong or firm but flexible and not brittle
tough fibers tough leather
20. not easily chewed
tough meat
21. physically or emotionally strong enough to put up with strain or hardship
22. very strict, firm, or determined
a tough coach tough rules
23. very difficult to do or deal with
We've had some tough times. The math test was tough.
24. lawless sense 2
a tough neighborhood